BACKGROUND: The Metropolitan Police figures suggest an increase in the incidence of injuries related to gun crime. We conducted a retrospective analysis of extremity gunshot injuries over a five-year period. Our aim is to report on our (1) incidence, (2) complications and (3) experience in treating these injuries. METHODS: Over a five-year period (1998-2002), 70 extremity gunshot injuries in 61 patients were identified from a trauma register and case notes reviewed retrospectively. The following were identified and analysed: type of injury (low or high-energy transfer), treatment (early/late), complications, patient demographics and compliance. RESULTS: There was a four-fold increase in incidence. Our incidence correlated well with The Metropolitan Police figures (r = 0.93). One-third of our injuries were managed non-operatively and on an outpatient basis. Complications were as follows: eight wound infections, one fracture non-union, one compartment syndrome, one vascular injury and five nerve injuries. Compliance was excellent for high-energy transfer injuries. CONCLUSION: Extremity gunshot injuries are on an increase in the United Kingdom highlighting the need for trauma surgeons' knowledge of the management of these injuries. Complications can be reduced to a minimum if the basic principles of management are strictly adhered to.
BACKGROUND: The Metropolitan Police figures suggest an increase in the incidence of injuries related to gun crime. We conducted a retrospective analysis of extremity gunshot injuries over a five-year period. Our aim is to report on our (1) incidence, (2) complications and (3) experience in treating these injuries. METHODS: Over a five-year period (1998-2002), 70 extremity gunshot injuries in 61 patients were identified from a trauma register and case notes reviewed retrospectively. The following were identified and analysed: type of injury (low or high-energy transfer), treatment (early/late), complications, patient demographics and compliance. RESULTS: There was a four-fold increase in incidence. Our incidence correlated well with The Metropolitan Police figures (r = 0.93). One-third of our injuries were managed non-operatively and on an outpatient basis. Complications were as follows: eight wound infections, one fracture non-union, one compartment syndrome, one vascular injury and five nerve injuries. Compliance was excellent for high-energy transfer injuries. CONCLUSION: Extremity gunshot injuries are on an increase in the United Kingdom highlighting the need for trauma surgeons' knowledge of the management of these injuries. Complications can be reduced to a minimum if the basic principles of management are strictly adhered to.
Authors: J F C de Vasconcelos; V Martins; D Brandão; M Maia; J Ferreira; S Braga; L Rios; H Costa; A G Vaz Journal: Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg Date: 2010-07-10 Impact factor: 3.693
Authors: P Kobbe; M Frink; R Oberbeck; I S Tarkin; C Tzioupis; D Nast-Kolb; H-C Pape; H Reilmann Journal: Unfallchirurg Date: 2008-04 Impact factor: 1.000
Authors: Fernando Guedes; Gabriel Elias Sanches; Nathalia Novaes; Amanda Guimarães Ferreira; Francisco Torrão Journal: Childs Nerv Syst Date: 2020-11-03 Impact factor: 1.475