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.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 05, 2013
Accepted:
February 6,
2013
Received:
November 6,
2012
Footnotes
No benefits in any form have been received or will be received related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
Identification
Copyright
© 2013 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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