Study note
Forensic MedicineMECHANICAL INJURIES

Shotgun wounds at a short range of 1–2 metres

THE CONTEXT
At this range, the shot enters as a single mass and produces a characteristic entrance wound without burning, blackening or tattooing.

Entrance wound

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A single circular aperture, 4–5 cm in diameter, has irregular and lacerated edges.
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Between one and two metres, the shot enters in one mass and produces a round hole of this size for all gauges and chokes.
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Burning, blackening and tattooing are absent.

Abrasions and cartridge components

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Annular or linear abrasions result from clothing impacting stretched skin during penetration of the shot en masse.
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Wads may be found deep within the wound up to two metres. Felt, wads or plastic cups from the cartridge may be present in the wound depths.
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Plastic sleeves, wadding and cardboard should be collected and preserved.
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