Shotgun injury: don't forget the wad

Abstract

While close-range shotgun injuries may clinically appear similar to gunshot wounds from rifles or handguns, they are important to differentiate as they require special consideration. We present a case of a male in his 20s who sustained a close-range shotgun wound to the right lower extremity and was subsequently found to have a retained, radiolucent shotgun wad deep within the wound bed. Identification and removal of shotgun wads are of paramount importance, as failure to do so may lead to downstream secondary infectious complications.

Keywords: Surgery; Trauma.