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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
10:08
Pseudofracture: An Acute Peripheral Tissue Trauma Model
Published on: April 18, 2011
[Update on gunshot wounds to extremities].
F von Lübken1, G Achatz2, B Friemert2
1Klinik für Unfallchirurgie und Orthopädie, Rekonstruktive und Septische Chirurgie, Sporttraumatologie, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Ulm, Oberer Eselsberg 40, 89081, Ulm, Deutschland. falkvl@freenet.de.
Der Unfallchirurg
|December 21, 2017
Summary
Understanding gunshot wound ballistics is crucial, especially with increasing terror attacks. High-energy projectiles cause severe tissue damage and fractures, necessitating prompt debridement and external fixation for contamination.
Area of Science:
- Trauma surgery
- Forensic pathology
- Ballistics
Background:
- Gunshot wounds (GSW) are increasingly relevant in Europe due to terror attacks.
- Approximately 50% of GSW affect the extremities.
- Understanding wound ballistics is essential for managing GSW sequelae.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explain the fundamental principles of wound ballistics.
- To differentiate between low-energy and high-energy gunshot injuries.
- To outline initial management strategies for gunshot wounds.
Main Methods:
- Review of wound ballistics principles.
- Classification of injuries based on projectile energy.
- Discussion of clinical implications and management.
Main Results:
- Bullet energy transfer dictates injury severity.
- High-energy GSW create temporary cavities and extensive soft tissue damage.
- High-energy GSW result in more severe fractures than low-energy GSW.
Conclusions:
- Debridement is indicated for nearly all GSW.
- External fixators are recommended for temporary stabilization of GSW fractures due to contamination.
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