These tools will no longer be maintained as of December 31, 2024. Archived website can be found here. PubMed4Hh GitHub repository can be found here. Contact NLM Customer Service if you have questions.


Pubmed for Handhelds

PUBMED FOR HANDHELDS

Search MEDLINE/PubMed

  • Title: Gunshot wounds to the lower extremity. A comprehensive review.
    Author: Mandracchia VJ, Buddecke DE, Statler TK, Nelson SC.
    Journal: Clin Podiatr Med Surg; 1999 Oct; 16(4):597-615. PubMed ID: 10553223.
    Abstract:
    A thorough knowledge of the mechanisms by which penetrating projectiles disrupt tissue can assist the physician in evaluating and treating the wound in a rational manner. Projectile mass, velocity, shape, construction, and the characteristics and anatomic constraints of the tissue penetrated determine the amount, type, and location of tissue disruption. The possibility of additional injuries caused by secondary missiles and cavitation must be understood to distinguish between conservative versus surgical care of the patient. Adherence to the principles of treatment discussed aids the physician in judgment when treating gunshot wound victims. Furthermore, the authors present a classification system to facilitate the identification and treatment of lower-extremity gunshot wounds. Regardless of the expertise in understanding wound ballistics, the unknown and unexpected variables create a challenge in treating the gunshot victim. A surgeon who believes in wide excision of tissue from all sides of the wound path in any high-velocity wound probably does more harm than that done by the bullet alone. A surgeon treating gunshot wound victims should follow the dictum: "Treat the wound, not the weapon."
    [Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]