@article{ref1,
title="Gunshot injuries of the hand: incidence, treatment characteristics, and factors associated with healthcare utilization",
journal="Hand (NY)",
year="2021",
author="Anantavorasakul, Navapong and Westenberg, Ritsaart F. and Serebrakian, Arman T. and Zamri, Meryam and Chen, Neal C. and Eberlin, Kyle R.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study are to: (1) describe the demographics, injury patterns, and treatment characteristics of patients who sustained a gunshot injury (GSI) of the hand; and (2) examine the utilization of healthcare resources in patients with a GSI of the hand. <br><br>METHODS: We retrospectively identified 148 adult patients who were treated for a GSI of the hand between January 2000 to December 2017 using multiple International Classification of Diseases Ninth and Tenth Edition (ICD-9 and ICD-10) codes. We used bivariate and multivariable analysis to identify which factors are associated with unplanned reoperation, length of hospitalization, and number of operations. <br><br>RESULTS: Multivariable logistic regression showed that fracture severity was associated with unplanned reoperation. Multivariable linear regression showed that fracture severity is associated with a higher number of hand operations after a GSI of the hand, and that a retained bullet (fragment) and patients having gunshot injuries in other regions than the hand had a longer length of hospitalization. Seventy (47%) patients had sensory or motor symptoms in the hand after their GSI, of which 22 (15%) patients had a transection of the nerve. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Sensory and motor nerve deficits are common after a GSI of the hand. However, only 31% of patients with symptoms had a transection of the nerve. A retained bullet (fragment), having more severe hand fractures, and GSI in other regions than the hand are associated with a higher number of operation and a longer period of hospitalization.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1558-9447",
doi="10.1177/1558944721998016",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1558944721998016"
}