Citation

Turker T, Capdarest-Arest N. J. Hand Surg. Am. 2013; 38(8): 1641-1650.

Affiliation

Division of Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson, AZ; Arizona Health Sciences Library, University of Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson, AZ. Electronic address: tturker@surgery.arizona.edu.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, American Society for Surgery of the Hand, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.02.011

PMID

23561721

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 a 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.

Language: en