Belfast Limb Arterial and Skeletal Trauma (BLAST): the evolution of punishment shooting in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has developed significant experience in specific punishment injuries due to its unique civil unrest. Simple gunshot wound (GSW) injuries have begun to evolve into more complex injuries.

We describe three cases of young male victims who suffered from GSW injuries-from a single GSW injury to multiple GSW injuries involving all four limbs; the phenomenon of Belfast Limb Arterial and Skeletal Trauma. We describe the management of these injuries, with a review of current literature.

Due to the unique political situation of Northern Ireland, there has been significant development of surgical experience in GSW management. Historically, single knee-capping injuries were prevalent. However, these shootings have evolved into targeted injuries resulting in significant trauma as demonstrated by this case series.