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Anatomic considerations in penetrating gluteal wounds
D W Mercer1, R F Buckman, R Sood
1Department of Surgery, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa.
Archives of Surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|April 11, 1992
Summary
Penetrating gluteal wounds above the greater trochanters are more likely to cause serious vascular or visceral injury. Lower zone wounds rarely result in major trauma, indicating entry site is crucial for predicting injury severity.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Penetrating gluteal wounds are common injuries.
- Predicting associated vascular or visceral injury is crucial for patient management.
- The gluteal region's anatomy presents unique challenges in trauma assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the correlation between the location of penetrating gluteal wounds and the incidence of associated vascular or visceral injuries.
- To determine if the gluteal region's division into upper and lower zones aids in predicting injury severity.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 81 patients with penetrating gluteal wounds.
- Classification of wounds based on entry zone: above or below the greater trochanters.
- Review of patient records to identify associated vascular or visceral injuries.
Main Results:
- 66% of penetrating gluteal wounds occurred in the upper zone.
- 32% of upper zone penetrations were associated with vascular or visceral injury.
- Only one patient with a lower zone wound sustained a major injury.
Conclusions:
- The site of entry significantly influences the risk of serious injury from penetrating gluteal wounds.
- Wounds entering the upper gluteal zone, particularly gunshot wounds, require thorough evaluation for potential vascular or visceral damage.