Extraction of an intra-articular bullet fragment from the subtalar joint: the "drill, tap, and extract" method

The necessity of extracting intra-articular bullet fragments is well documented in the orthopedic literature. A case of the removal of a retained bullet fragment lodged within the subtalar joint and calcaneus is presented. The bullet fragment was drilled and tapped with small-fragment instruments and was readily removed. This technique is relatively easy to perform and may be used when bullet fragments are imbedded in osseous or intra-articular sites that are distant from the entrance wound.