High-energy, low-velocity close-range shotgun wounds

A review is made of 42 close-range shotgun wounds. The massive injuries had many of the characteristics attributed to high-velocity missile wounding. Calculations of kinetic energy show magnitudes at muzzle velocity in the range of those generated by high-velocity rifle rounds. This is due to the very great mass. While emphasis has been placed in the literature on the factor of velocity, it is stressed that the mass is also very important since the equation for kinetic energy is the product of the square of velocity and mass. It is kinetic energy which relates to tissue injury. Medical writings should return velocity to its proper place as a factor and not an end-point of energy calculations.