Management of gunshot wounds to the hand: a literature review.

Abstract

Hand trauma resulting from firearms is becoming more common in civilian life. In the past, as in wartime, infection was a main source of concern following firearm-related hand injuries, whereas in current civilian life with modern medical care, infection rates are actually low for such injuries. As infection is now of lesser concern, the focus should shift to improve functional outcomes. This review summarizes available literature regarding the management of gunshot wounds to the hand, with particular focus on functional outcomes. In conducting this review, we found that there is not comprehensive information regarding management of gunshot wounds to the hand, and literature discussing functional recovery of the hand is limited. Given the current evidence related to management of gunshot wounds to the hand, we believe that early debridement, antibiotic treatment, reconstruction, and rehabilitation offer patients the best chance for full functional recovery.

• Authors: Tolga Turker, Nicole Capdarest-Arest
• Journal: The Journal of hand surgery (J Hand Surg Am) Vol. 38 Issue 8 Pg. 1641-50 (Aug 2013) ISSN: 1531-6564 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 23561721 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2013 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Bone Transplantation (methods)
• Contracture (diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Debridement (methods)
• Education, Medical, Continuing
• Female
• Finger Injuries (diagnostic imaging, etiology, surgery)
• Hand Injuries (diagnostic imaging, etiology, surgery)
• Humans
• Injury Severity Score
• Male
• Postoperative Complications (diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Prognosis
• Radiography
• Plastic Surgery Procedures (methods)
• Risk Assessment
• Surgical Flaps (blood supply)
• Treatment Outcome
• Wound Healing
• Wounds, Gunshot (diagnosis, surgery)