Selective non-operative management of civilian gunshot wounds to the abdomen: A systematic review of the evidence

Background

Selective non-operative management (SNOM) of penetrating abdominal wounds has become increasingly common in the past two or three decades and is now accepted as routine management for stab wounds. Gunshot wounds are more frequently managed with mandatory laparotomy but recently SNOM has been successfully applied. This review systematically appraises the evidence behind SNOM for civilian abdominal gunshot wounds.

Methods

A Medline search from 1990 to present identified civilian studies examining success rates for SNOM of abdominal gunshot wounds. Case reports, editorials and abstracts were excluded. All other studies meeting the inclusion criteria of reporting the success rate of non-operative management of abdominal gunshot wounds were analysed.

Results

Sixteen prospective and six retrospective studies met the inclusion criteria, including 18,602 patients with abdominal gunshot wounds. 32.2% (n = 6072) of patients were initially managed non-operatively and 15.5% (n = 943) required a delayed laparotomy. The presence of haemodynamic instability, peritonitis, GI bleeding or any co-existing pathology that prevented frequent serial examination of the abdomen from being performed were indications for immediate laparotomy in all studies. Delayed laparotomy results in similar outcomes to those in patients subjected to immediate laparotomy. Implementation of SNOM reduces the rates of negative and non-therapeutic laparotomies and reduces overall length of stay.

Conclusions

SNOM can be safely applied to some civilian patients with abdominal gunshot wounds and reduces the rates of negative or non-therapeutic laparotomy. Patients who require delayed laparotomy have similar rates of morbidity and mortality and similar length of stay to those patients who undergo immediate laparotomy.     

Analysis of pediatric gunshot wounds in Houston,Texas: A social perspective

Background

This study sought to determine the role of social factors in pediatric gunshot wounds (GSW).

The role of computed tomography scans in diaphyseal femur fractures following gunshot injuries: A survey of orthopaedic traumatologists

The objective of this study was to analyze if the addition of CT changed the management of femoral shaft fractures caused by gunshot wounds when compared to those managed with plain radiography alone.MethodsA multiple-choice, single-answer electronic survey was created to compare utility of advanced imaging when treating femur fractures resulting from gunshot injury. A total of ten femoral shaft fracture cause by gunshot injuries were selected for an online survey to be administered to orthopeaedic traumatologists. The survey compared the use the of fixation device and surgical planning before and after the CT scan.ResultsA total of 99 surveys were initiated, of which 82 were completed. For proximal shaft fractures, 37% of experts reported that a CT scan should be ordered based on the radiograph alone, prior to reviewing the CT. After reviewing the CT, 5% of experts reported that they would have performed a “major” change, and 10% reported that they would have performed a “minor” change. 4% of surveyors would have changed their decision regarding ordering a CT. For distal femoral shaft fractures, 42% of experts selected that a CT scan would have been ordered prior to reviewing the CT. After reviewing the CT, 2% would have performed a “major” change, and 8% would have performed a “minor” change in management. 5% of surveyors would have changed their decision regarding ordering a CT.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that CT scans are relatively unlikely to cause major changes in fracture management of gunshot-induced fractures of femoral shaft.     

Management of open lower limb injuries in South West England and Wales

IntroductionThe joint British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons/British Orthopaedic Association standards define best practice management in open diaphyseal fractures of the lower limb. The aim of our study was to review the regional approach and experience in South West England and Wales. A further objective was to evaluate service provision with regard to the standards’ key recommendations.MethodsA prospective audit was undertaken of open diaphyseal fracture patients. Compliance with published standards within all orthoplastic services in South West England and Wales was assessed, and facilities were evaluated.ResultsA total of 86 patients were managed between October 2012 and March 2013. This was a 56% increase from 2008. Over half (56%) presented directly to the orthoplastic services with all patients undergoing debridement within 24 hours. Two-thirds (66%) of procedures were in daylight hours excluding those requiring immediate surgical intervention. Adherence to correct antibiotic therapy was 88% at admission, 50% at primary surgery and 62% at definitive surgery. Almost two-thirds (60%) of primary procedures were performed with combined senior orthoplastic teams, with 81% achieving definitive soft tissue coverage and fixation within seven days. Compliance improved in units with larger patient caseloads and where there was an early combined approach during daylight hours.ConclusionsIncreased open lower limb fracture workload was demonstrated across South West England and Wales, probably owing to centralisation of trauma services. An improvement in early transfer of this patient group to orthoplastic facilities has allowed all patients to be assessed and debrided within the recommended timeframe. Standards were most likely to be met in those centres seeing higher numbers of injuries and when there was a daylight hours procedure by combined orthoplastic teams.     

Variation in treatment of low energy gunshot injuries – A survey of OTA members

The purpose of this study was to determine current practice patterns in the treatment of low energy gunshot wounds involving bones and joints. One hundred seventy-three Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) members completed a web-based survey. The survey included practices for antibiotic therapy and operative treatment for different types of low-energy gunshot injuries. Six different scenarios of soft tissue injury, intra-articular injury, and fractures were described. Several permutations of antibiotic therapy and operative or non-operative management options were given as choices on the survey. Survey responses had a high degree of heterogeneity with only two treatment options receiving more than 50% agreement among responders: 54% agreed on joint exploration with perioperative antibiotics for gunshot wounds (GSWs) traversing a joint and 55% agreed on treating operative tibial shaft fractures from GSWs with fixation, along with debridement and irrigation of the GSW tract, and perioperative antibiotics. The majority of participants (69%) were either not aware of or not sure of an established protocol for treatment of GSW to bones and joints at their institution. Moreover, there is still wide variation in treatments among 31% of the participants who reported a protocol in place at their institutions. We conclude there is wide variation among orthopaedic surgeons in the antimicrobial prophylaxis and treatment of GSWs. Opportunity exists to develop standardized practices to minimize related infections, other complications, and costs.     

Reviving the debate: Articular cartilage preservation during disarticulation at the lower limb? A systematic review

BackgroundThe need for preservation(P) or removal(R) of articular cartilage during disarticulations remains unanswered.MethodsMedline database was used to conduct a systematic review regarding all types of minor disarticulations and some types of major disarticulations in patients with diabetes mellitus, peripheral arterial disease or trauma related disarticulations. Fisher-exact statistical test was used to perform calculations for the entire group as for subgroups.ResultsA total of 444 disarticulations at the Chopart joint, ankle and knee were included (P = 255 vs. R = 189). There was no difference in wound healing, functionality and mortality. Reamputation rate was lower in the P-group (9.4% vs. 16.9%). Infection rate was not significantly different. Differences in reamputations (R = 10.6% vs. P = 1.0%) and infections (R = 4.4% vs. P = 22.6%) were only present for the ankle subgroup.ConclusionsThere is no difference in wound healing, functionality and mortality between the preservation and removal of articular cartilage in the lower limb.     

Predictors of mortality in severely head-injured patients with civilian gunshot wounds: A report from the nih traumatic coma data bank

Predictors of outcome were examined in this prospective study of 151 patients severely injured by civilian gunshot wounds. Of the 151 patients, 133 (88%) died. Of the 123 patients with an initial Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3–5, 116 (94%) died, whereas of the 20 with an initial Glasgow Coma Scale score of 6–8, 14 (70%) died. There were no good outcomes, and only three moderate recoveries in patients who had initial scores of 8 or less.

In those patients who survived long enough for intracranial pressure monitoring, intracranial hypertension predicted a very poor outcome. Computed tomographic scan characteristics such as midline shift, compression or obliteration of the mesencephalic cisterns, the presence of subarachnoid blood, intraventricular hemorrhage, and the presence of hyperdense or mixed-density lesions greater than 15 mL, either bilateral or unilateral, were all associated with a poor outcome. However, neither the caliber of gun nor the distance of the gun from the head significantly affected the risk of dying.     

The prevention of experimental osteomyelitis in a model of gunshot fracture in the pig

Data from civilian trauma practice would support the non-operative management of low-energy transfer ballistic wounds to bone. However, there is a paucity of data to indicate whether this would be an effective treatment for similar injuries in military casualties, in whom wounds are heavily contaminated and there is a delay to receipt of medical treatment. We created a model of ballistic wounding in the proximal tibia of pigs. Fractures were contaminated withStaphylococcus aureus. Animals were divided into two groups; Control (n = 8), received no treatment, Treatment (n = 6), received 600 mg benzylpenicillin and 500 mg flucloxacillin by intramuscular injection for seven days, commencing six hours after injury. Animals were killed 14 days after injury. Treatment with antibiotics caused a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of osteomyelitis assessed by bacteriological examination. The results have important implications for the management of low-energy transfer wounds of bone in both civilian and military casualties.     

Lymphangiectasis of lower limb: A rare challenging case

Lymphangiectasis usually occurs in the viscera. Involvement of the lower limb is very rare. It is difficult to establish the diagnosis without detailed investigations. Clinical features are peculiar and may mimic lymphoedema of different origins which needs to be ruled out. Contrary to the expectation, the post-operative result is excellent in the long-term follow-up.     

A critical review of flap repairs in the lower limb — one unit's experience over the past five years

Summary In a retrospective review 32 consecutive cases requiring flaps in the lower limb were studied. A changing pattern of repair methods was seen with an increasing use of fascio-cutaneous flaps. No major complications were encountered when standard or fascio-cutaneous cross leg flaps were required and these were overall the most reliable of all flaps used. Only a 50% success rate was obtained for free flaps, but this may reflect inexperience, low number of cases and the site of the injury as well as damaged recipient vessels in the proximity of the anastomosis. The majority of conditions requiring flap repair were the result of preventable trauma to young persons, and were often associated with motor cycles.     

Pain after ortho-plastic reconstruction of lower limb injuries: A snapshot study

IntroductionThe incidence of pain after flap reconstruction of complex lower limb injury is poorly reported in the literature, and yet represents a significant source of morbidity in these patients. In our centre (Southmead Hospital, Bristol, England) patients who have had flap reconstruction for complex lower limb injury are followed up at a joint ortho-plastics lower limb clinic run weekly. The aim of this study was to report the incidence of pain in such patients at follow-up in the specialist clinic. The impact of the experience of pain upon the quality of life, and the efficacy of analgesia was assessed these cases.Patients and methodsThis was a cross sectional snapshot study of a cohort of complex lower limb patients attending our lower limb ortho-plastics outpatient clinic between the dates of: 17/5/16 and 28/6/16. Any patient attending clinic with previous flap reconstruction for lower limb injury was asked to complete the BPI (Brief Pain Index) questionnaire, and details regarding their injury and surgery were collected.ResultsThere was a 100% response rate, with 33 patients completing the questionnaire. 28 out of the 33 patients (85%) reported ongoing pain. There was no significant relationship between time post operatively and average pain scores (Spearman’s Rank R = 0.077), nor was there significant difference by age or gender. Over 25% of the patients with pain were not taking analgesia, however those using simple analgesia (paracetamol, NSAIDS) derived on average over 70% pain relief.ConclusionsPain in a common complication following flap reconstruction for complex lower limb injury reported in 85% of our cohort. This pain does not seem to be correlated with time, gender or age, and responds well to simple analgesia in most cases. This emphasises the importance of asking about pain at follow up, and taking simple measures to improve pain outcomes.     

Gunshot wounds to the penis and scrotum: a narrative review of management in civilian and military settings

Gunshot wounds (GSW) to the penis and scrotum are present in two thirds of all genitourinary (GU) trauma, with a growing proportion of blast injuries in the military setting. Depending on the energy of the projectile, the injury patterns present differently for military and civilian GSWs. In this review, we sought to provide a detailed overview of GSWs to the external genitalia, from mechanisms to management. We examine how ballistic injury impacts tissues, as well as the types of injuries that occur, and how to assess these injuries to the external genitalia. If there is concern for injury to the deep structures of the penis or scrotum, operative exploration and repair is warranted. Relevant history and physical examination, role of imaging, and choice of conservative or surgical treatment options in the civilian and military setting are discussed, as well as guidelines for management set forth by the American Urological Association (AUA) and European Association of Urology (EAU).     

Comparison of 25-OH vitamin D levels between children with upper and those with lower extremity fractures: A prospective case-control study

Objective:The aims of this study were (1) to compare 25-OH vitamin D levels between children with upper and those with lower extremity fractures and (2) to determine whether 25-OH D insufficiency prevalence is increased compared to healthy controls.Methods:This is a prospective case–control study for 12 months. The study was conducted with children aged 5-18 years, including 60 children with non-displaced, impaction type upper extremity and lower extremity fractures resulted from low-energy trauma. In addition, 60 healthy children were included as controls. In all participants, risk factors for low bone mineral density were assessed and serum 25(OH)D levels were measured. Vitamin D levels were compared among groups.Results:Vitamin D deficiency (25-OH D <20) was 14.8 times (OR= 95% CI= 5.61 - 39.8) and 2.9 times (OR= 95% CI= 1.46-5.75) higher in patients with upper and lower extremity fractures, respectively. In the upper extremity fracture group, serum 25-OH D level was considered deficient (25-OH D level = <20 ng/mL) in 91.6% (55/60). In comparison, it was considered as insufficient (serum 25-OH D level = 20-30 ng/mL in 8.3% (5/60) of the patients. In the lower extremity fracture group, serum 25(OH)D level was considered as deficient in 75.0% (45/60), while it was considered as insufficient in 25.0% (15/60) of the patients. In the control group, serum 25-OH D level was considered deficient in 10.0% (6/60), while it was considered insufficient in 61.6% (37/60) of subjects. The 25-OH D deficiency and insufficiency were more common in the whole fracture group (upper plus lower extremity fracture groups) when compared to healthy controls.Conclusion:This study has shown that hypovitaminosis D is associated with an increased risk for fracture in the pediatric population, and the fracture risk is higher in upper extremity fractures than in lower extremity fractures. In children with fractures, routine vitamin D evaluation should be considered.Level of Evidence: Level III, Diagnostic Study     

Experience of managing open fractures of the lower limb at a major trauma centre

Introduction

In April 2012 the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford became a major trauma centre (MTC). The British Orthopaedic Association and British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons joint standards for the management of open fractures of the lower limb (BOAST 4) require system-wide changes in referral practice that may be facilitated by the MTC and its associated major trauma network.

Methods

From 2008 to 2013 a multistep audit of compliance with BOAST 4 was conducted to assess referral patterns, timing of surgery and outcomes (surgical site infection rates), to determine changes following local intervention and the establishment of the MTC.

Results

Over the study period, 50 patients had soft tissue cover for an open lower limb fracture and there was a significant increase in the proportion of patients receiving definitive fixation in our centre (p=0.036). The median time from injury to soft tissue cover fell from 6.0 days to 3.5 days (p=0.051) and the median time from definitive fixation to soft tissue cover fell from 5.0 days to 2.0 days (p=0.003). The deep infection rate fell from 27% to 8% (p=0.247). However, in 2013 many patients still experienced a delay of >72 hours between injury and soft tissue cover, primarily owing to a lack of capacity for providing soft tissue cover.

Conclusions

Our experience may be relevant to other MTCs seeking to identify barriers to optimising the management of patients with these injuries.     

Laparoscopic exploration of the retroperitoneum in a gunshot victim: A case report

IntroductionNon-operative management and minimally invasive surgery reduce the burden of negative laparotomies in patients with penetrating gunshot wounds (GSW). Careful patient selection is key. Although challenging, in experienced hands laparoscopic exploration of the retroperitoneal space can be carried out.Case presentationA 38year old man was brought to the emergency room after sustaining a GSW to his right groin. Due to evidence of intoxication, clinical picture was unreliable, although the patient was hemodynamically stable and there were no signs of peritonitis. Furthermore, the presence of retained bullet fragments created significant artifact on imaging. Clinical and radiological uncertainty urged us to proceed with laparoscopic exploration. Following mobilization, the ascending colon wall was fully inspected and no injury was identified. The pelvic fracture was managed non-operatively. After an uneventful hospital course, the patient was discharged home in stable condition and outpatient follow up was re-assuring.DiscussionAvoiding morbidity from missed colonic injury is important, particularly in patients with unclear clinical and radiological findings, that were present in our case. Non-operative management by serial examination and minimally invasive surgical techniques are considered an alternative to the classical exploratory laparotomy approach. Furthermore, utilization of laparoscopy in retroperitoneal injury has gained much attention in the recent years particularly in well-established centers.ConclusionLaparoscopic exploration is a safe and effective surgical approach in patients who have sustained GSW to the abdomen and to the retroperitoneal space. However, it requires careful patient selection and surgical expertise.     

髋关节置换术后病人下肢关节运动功能锻炼

目的 探讨人工髋关节置换术后病人康复期下肢关节的运动功能锻炼方法与效果.方法 2011年7月至2015年1月于湖北医药学院附属东风医院骨科择期行人工髋关节置换术病人104例,病人均顺利完成人工髋关节置换术.根据随机数字表法的平行对照原则分为常规组和改进组各52例,常规组给予常规护理,改进组在常规护理基础上采用流程化运动功能锻炼.比较两组病人首次下地时间、最长步行距离、髋关节Harris评分、并发症和36条目健康调查量表(36-item short-form health survey questionnaire,SF-36)的情况.结果 改进组病人首次下地时间明显早于常规组,术后2周改进组的最长步行距离比常规组长(均P<0.05).康复后,改进组病人的髋关节功能Harris评分优良率为86.5%优于常规组的61.5%(P<0.05).改进组康复期间的尿潴留、便秘、感染、褥疮、肌肉萎缩等并发症发生情况明显低于常规组(P<0.05).康复后在总体健康、躯体疼痛、生理职能、生理功能等方面,改进组的得分均高于常规组(P<0.05).结论 人工髋关节置换术病人康复期下肢关节的运动功能锻炼能减少病人术后卧床时间,提高髋关节康复的速度,降低并发症出现的概率,术后病人康复更好,病人的生活质量得到更好的改善.     

Efficacy of open reduction and internal fixation in achieving bony union of comminuted mandibular fractures caused by civilian gunshot injuries

IntroductionComminuted fractures of the mandible caused by gunshot injuries were traditionally treated with closed reduction using maxillo-mandibular fixation (MMF).^2,3 Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) has become a valuable treatment modality in the management of comminuted mandibular fractures due to low rate of complications and predictable healing ^{4, 5}.ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of ORIF compared with MMF in achieving bony union of comminuted mandibular fractures in gunshot injury patients.Methodology: Randomized controlled trial conducted at the department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for a period of 3 years; total of 40 patients divided equally into two groups. Group A were treated with ORIF and group B were treated with MMF. Callus formation radiographically was confirmed by 8th week post operatively. Data was collected using proforma, entered on a statistical software SPSS version 20. Frequency percentages were computed for age and gender. Chi square and Fisher's exact tests were applied. P value ≤ 0.05 considered significant.ResultA total of 40 patients of gunshot injuries were included in this study. 37 (92.5%) were males and 3 (7.5%) were Females with mean age of 36.35 ± 12.9 years SD. 19 (47.5%) patients showed callus formation, whereas, 21 (52.5%) did not. Out of 19 patients, 14 (70%) belonged to group A, and 5 (25%) from group B. The final healing considered by 8th week was in 16 (80%) of ORIF group A, and 8 (40%) group B (MMF) after calculating the clinical and radiographic evidences.ConclusionComparative clinical trials have proven that ORIF is superior to MMF in the management of comminuted mandibular fractures. Early primary repair and internal fixation provides predictable and cost effective results.     

A comparison between the Major Trauma Centre management of complex open lower limb fractures in children and the elderly

Introduction: Open lower limb fractures can be devastating with outcomes determined by tissue damage and adherence to strictly defined care pathways. Managing such injuries in paediatric and elderly populations presents logistical and technical challenges to achieve best outcomes. Orthoplastic principles were developed mainly in the young adult population whereas requirements for paediatric and elderly patients need further understanding.Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on two groups of patients at the extremes of age, with type IIIb (severe) open lower limb fractures, presenting to a Major Trauma Centre (MTC) with orthoplastic services over a six-year period - the first group being under 16 years; the second group being over 65. The timelines of combined surgery to both fix the fracture and flap the soft-tissue defect were strictly observed. Each group were followed-up for a minimum of nine months. Data were analysed according to patient demographics, mechanism of trauma, time to wound excision, time to definitive surgery, fixation technique, soft-tissue reconstruction type, deep infection rate, flap survival, bony union, secondary amputation and functional outcome (Enneking score).Results: 33 paediatric patients and 99 elderly patients were identified.Paediatric: The median age was 12 years. All the children were ASA Grade I. Open tibial fractures were most common (76%) followed by ankle fracture dislocation (12%). The majority were high-energy injuries and were commonly managed with external fixators (or frames) and free flap coverage. Median hospital stay was 12 days, and time to union 114 days, with median Enneking scores of 85%. There was one flap failure and no deep infections.Elderly: The median age was 76 years. ASA grades varied and reflected multiple comorbidities. High-energy injuries required free flaps, while more common, low-energy fragility fractures were covered with loco-regional flaps. Internal fixation with intramedullary nails was most commonly used. Median hospital stay was 13 days, and time to union was 150 days, with median Enneking scores of 70%. There was one flap failure, one deep infection, and one delayed amputation.Discussion: These results reflect both similarities and important differences in managing open fractures in the extremes of age. The specific challenges of each group of patients are discussed, including surgical aspects, but also the importance of orthoplastics infrastructure within the MTC and input from allied professionals to facilitate patient pathways.