Management of low-velocity gunshot wounds of the hand

Of 41 consecutive patients with low-velocity gunshot wounds to the hand, 28 were treated by superficial debridement of wound edges and 13 were treated by meticulous debridement and exploration under operating room conditions. All patients received antibiotics. All wounds were closed primarily. Some had small drains for 24 to 48 hours. There were no complications of exploration. Of the 28 patients whose wounds were not explored, 16 had complications or residual deficits that required exploration. Hospital stay of the two groups was similar. Surgical exploration of low-velocity gunshot wounds to the hand is recommended.