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Shotgun injury: don't forget the wad
Shahrose Rahman1, Ranish K Patel1, John X Sun1
1Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
BMJ Case Reports
|November 27, 2024
Summary
Close-range shotgun injuries require special care. Retained shotgun wads can cause serious infections, highlighting the need for prompt identification and removal in wound management.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Forensic Pathology
- Radiology
Background:
- Close-range shotgun injuries present diagnostic challenges, often mimicking other ballistic trauma.
- Differentiating shotgun wounds is crucial due to unique management requirements.
Observation:
- A case study involving a young male with a close-range shotgun wound to the lower extremity.
- Radiological examination revealed a deeply retained, radiolucent shotgun wad.
Findings:
- Shotgun wads, particularly radiolucent ones, can remain undetected deep within wound tracts.
- Failure to identify and remove retained wads poses a significant risk.
Implications:
- Prompt identification and surgical removal of retained shotgun wads are critical for preventing secondary infections.
- This case underscores the importance of thorough wound evaluation in managing shotgun injuries.
