[Treatment approaches in gunshot injuries of the extremities]

In the view of efficiency and cost effectiveness the increasing incidence of gunshot wounds in Europe demands a modification of treatment protocols. The general basis are debridement of soft tissue injuries, antibiotics and fracture stabilization. The pathology of gunshot wounds and established treatment algorhithms, however have to be adjusted to the ongoing development of gun technology and the thereby caused specific lesions. The treatment of injuries caused by high velocity projectiles necessitates a proactive surgical strategy. Small caliber gunshot wounds can be treated more conservatively. The following review presents an overview on the ballistic and surgical basis for the treatment of gunshot wounds of the musculoskeletal system.