This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.

Shotgun injuries to the chest lessened by silicone implant

In a patient who sustained two shotgun wounds to the right chest, researchers believe that her silicone gel implants prevented the thoracic cavity from being penetrated by the ballistic fragments and causing additional injury to the thoracic structures.

The 59-year old woman was shot twice in the right chest with a shotgun through a door.

The injuries to her upper chest, axilla, shoulder, thoracoabdominal area and right lower extremity areas were consistent with birdshot.

Within the previous year the patient had undergone bilateral augmentation mammoplasty with silicone gel implants.

The chest X-ray showed no free air or fractures.

Several pellets were found in the right breast implant with no evidence of pneumothorax. Several pellets were also found overlying the pericardium and sternum.

The patient’s surgeon completed implant removal and replacement. The implant contained many shotgun pellets. – by Abigail Sutton

Disclosure: The researchers reported no relevant financial disclosures.