At what distance from the discharging barrel do shotgun injuries cause the most serious tissue destruction?

Shotgun injuries typically cause the most severe tissue destruction at distances around 3 meters from the muzzle. This phenomenon is largely due to the nature of shotgun ammunition, which consists of multiple pellets that spread as they travel away from the barrel.

At a distance of about 3 meters, the pellets still maintain a relatively high velocity and are close enough together to create a significant impact in a small area, leading to extensive tissue damage. Beyond this distance, the spread of the pellets increases, which can lead to a broader area of injury, but with generally less concentrated energy delivered to any single point.

Understanding the dynamics of shotgun injuries at various distances is crucial for medical professionals responding to trauma cases. The impact of the pellets diminishes significantly as the distance from the muzzle increases, contributing to less severe injuries further away from the barrel. This knowledge helps in assessing the severity of wounds and planning appropriate medical interventions in cases of shotgun trauma.