Gunshot and blast injuries of the extremities: a review of 45 cases

Gunshot wounds and blast injuries constitute a major public health problem, as the increasing availability of firearms and explosives in conjunction with increasing violence in the city setting have brought this reality into civilian life. Extremities are most commonly involved; therefore, orthopedi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of orthopaedic surgery & traumatology 2019-02, Vol.29 (2), p.295-305
Main Authors: Ignatiadis, Ioannis A., Mavrogenis, Andreas F., Igoumenou, Vasilios G., Polyzois, Vasilios D., Tsiampa, Vasiliki A., Arapoglou, Dimitrios K., Spyridonos, Sarantis
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bombings
Explosions
Explosives
Firearms
Hand surgery
Injuries
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Microsurgery
Original Article • TRAUMA - MICROSURGERY
Patients
Skin & tissue grafts
Surgery
Surgical Orthopedics
Trauma
Traumatic Surgery
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Summary:Gunshot wounds and blast injuries constitute a major public health problem, as the increasing availability of firearms and explosives in conjunction with increasing violence in the city setting have brought this reality into civilian life. Extremities are most commonly involved; therefore, orthopedic surgeons should be trained to manage these types of injuries. Complete and accurate assessment of the injury itself is of great importance, as it will determine the severity and the risk of patients. High-risk injuries from missiles and injuries from explosions are associated with moderate or poor outcomes, major complications, and increased need for multiple surgical procedures. On the other hand, low-risk injuries frequently present optimal results and rather low morbidity. The role of microsurgery is essential, especially in the high- and very high-risk injuries, since complex and multiple reconstructions have to be performed, which include the utilization of free flaps, nerve grafts, and tendon transfers.
ISSN:1633-8065
1432-1068
DOI:10.1007/s00590-018-2350-4