A shotgun wound can be classified based on the depth of pellet penetration and the estimated firing range.
Type of Wound |
Injury |
Mortality Rate |
0 |
superficial, with penetration of skin only |
0% |
I |
penetrates into subcutaneous tissue and reaches deep fascia |
0 – 5% |
II |
pellets penetrate beyond the deep fascia |
15 – 20% |
III |
extensive tissue damage |
85 – 90% |
Type of Wound |
Range with Standard Barrel Shotgun |
Range with "Sawed-off" Shotgun |
0 |
> 12 meters |
> 4 meters |
I |
> 12 meters |
> 4 meters |
II |
5 – 12 meters |
2 – 4 meters |
III |
< 5 meters |
< 2 meters |
Limitations:
• Wounds of Type 0 or I can be serious if located in the chest or face.
Specialty: Clinical Laboratory, Surgery, orthopedic, Emergency Medicine, Surgery, general
ICD-10: ,