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Hand and forearm injuries from penetrating projectiles.
1International Wound Ballistics Association, Hawthorne, FL 32640.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|September 1, 1992
Summary
Hand surgeons should carefully evaluate tissue damage from projectile injuries, avoiding unnecessary excision of uninjured tissue. This approach supports traditional methods and guides less experienced surgeons.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Hand Surgery
Background:
- Limited literature exists on projectile injuries in hand surgery compared to other surgical fields.
- Recent wound ballistics research emphasizes objective tissue disruption evaluation for treatment guidance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To support established hand surgery methods for treating projectile injuries.
- To advise surgeons against excising uninjured tissue in the hand.
Main Methods:
- Review of wound ballistics research.
- Analysis of hand anatomy considerations in surgical excision.
- Comparison with existing surgical literature.
Main Results:
- Objective evaluation of tissue disruption is crucial for effective treatment.
- The unique anatomy of the hand necessitates precise tissue management.
- Traditional hand surgery excision techniques are validated.
Conclusions:
- Hand surgeons must exercise caution in tissue excision due to anatomical constraints.
- Inexperienced surgeons should be guided by objective findings rather than aggressive debridement.
- Adherence to careful, evidence-based debridement is recommended for projectile hand injuries.