Citation

Nolan PC, McCoy G. Injury 1996; 27(6): 405-406.

Affiliation

Fracture Clinic, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1996, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8881136

Abstract

Paramilitary punishments in Northern Ireland traditionally involved shooting in the limbs with low-velocity handguns. During the recent IRA ceasefire they were replaced with beatings by clubs and similar objects. We carried out a retrospective review of patients who had suffered punishment beatings who presented to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast. Patients were more likely to have fractures and more severe soft-tissue injuries. The time spent in hospital was often longer, and there was a greater chance of requiring operations (often multiple).