Citation

Dougherty PJ, Najibi S, Silverton C, Vaidya R. Instr. Course Lect. 2009; 58: 131-139.

Affiliation

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, American Academy Of Orthopaedic Surgeons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

19385526

Abstract

The extremities are the most common anatomic location for gunshot wounds. Because of the prevalence of gunshot injuries, it is important that orthopaedic surgeons are knowledgeable about caring for them. The most common injuries seen with gunshot wounds are those of the soft tissues. Nonsurgical management of patients who have gunshot wounds with minimal soft-tissue disruption has been successfully accomplished in emergency departments for several years; this includes extremity wounds without nerve, intra-articular, or vascular injury. Stable, nonarticular fractures of an extremity have also been successfully treated with either minimal surgical or nonsurgical methods in the emergency department. Indications for surgical treatment include unstable fractures, intra-articular injuries, a significant soft-tissue injury (especially with skin loss), vascular injury, and/or a large or expanding hematoma.

Language: en