Retirada de projetil de arma de fogo alojado em assoalho infraorbitário com preservação do globo ocular: relato de caso / Removal of a firearm projectile lodged in the infraorbital floor with preservation of the eyeball: case report

Objetivo: relatar um caso de ferimento por arma de fogo (FAF), com projétil balístico alojado em região infraorbitária à esquerda, relatando tratamento cirúrgico de urgência para exérese do projetil por acesso subciliar. Relato do caso: Paciente do gênero masculino, 18 anos, foi encaminhado ao pronto socorro do Hospital Universitário por conta de ferimento por arma de fogo. Ao exame clínico, foi verificado discreto aumento de volume em região cervical e hemiface à esquerda, ausência de sangramento em face; presença de limitação para infraversão de olho esquerdo. O orifício de entrada do projetil foi identificado em região de tórax superior posterior à esquerda; após realização de tomografia de face, confirmou-se fratura de assoalho orbitário esquerdo, assim como projétil alojado abaixo do globo ocular. O ato cirúrgico foi realizado com caráter de urgência pela equipe de Cirurgia e Traumatologia Bucomaxilofacial. Discussão: estudos descrevem a importância da realização do adequado manejo de lesões traumáticas decorrentes de FAF seguido de remoção do projetil com urgência, visto que as complicações ao postergar o tempo cirúrgico só agravam o quadro clínico do paciente, além das afecções futuras que podem surgir com o decorrer da resolução do caso clínico. Conclusão: ratifica-se a importância da multidisciplinariedade entres as clínicas médicas, assim como, o correto manejo do paciente traumatizado, baseado nos critérios que conduzem o plano de tratamento.(AU)

Aim: to report a case of gunshot wound, with ballistic projectile lodged in the left infraorbital region, reporting emergency surgical treatment for projectile exeresis by subciliary access. Case Report: An 18-year-old male patient was referred to the emergency department of the University Hospital due to a gunshot wound. On clinical examination, it was found slight increase in volume in the cervical region and left hemiface, absence of bleeding in the face; presence of limitation to infraversion of the left eye. The entrance hole of the projectile was identified in the posterior left upper thorax region; after a tomography of the face, a fracture of the left orbital floor was confirmed, as well as the projectile lodged below the eyeball. The surgery was urgently performed by the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery team. Discussion: Studies describe the importance of performing the proper management of traumatic injuries resulting from FAF followed by removal of the projectile with urgency, since the complications to postpone the surgical time only aggravate the clinical picture of the patient, in addition to future problems that may arise with the resolution of the clinical case. Conclusion: the importance of multidisciplinarity among medical clinics is ratified, as well as the correct management of the traumatized patient, based on the criteria that lead to the treatment plan.(AU)

Lesiones mortales por armas traumáticas: reporte de caso / Fatal injuries due to traumatic weapons: Case report

Introducción. Las armas de energía cinética son diseñadas para generar lesiones dolorosas y superficiales. Sin embargo, las lesiones asociadas causan confusión al ser abordadas como heridas por proyectil de arma de fuego, convirtiendo el enfoque y el manejo correcto en un desafío. El caso presentado describe un paciente herido en el cuello por arma traumática con el objetivo de analizar factores que permitan identificar este tipo de heridas y sus implicaciones en el manejo. Caso clínico. Paciente masculino de 31 años que ingresó con intubación orotraqueal, remitido de una institución de nivel 2, con herida por aparente proyectil de arma de fuego con trayectoria transcervical. Se encontró hemodinámicamente estable, pero con dificultad para la valoración clínica, por lo que se realizaron exámenes complementarios que descartaron lesión aerodigestiva. La tomografía de cuello reportó proyectil alojado en musculatura paravertebral izquierda, descartando trayectoria transcervical. Discusión. El comportamiento de las lesiones asociadas a los proyectiles de armas depende de varios factores, como el tipo de material del proyectil, su velocidad y las propiedades del tejido impactado. Se presentó un caso en que inicialmente se sospechaba una lesión transcervical, pero con la evaluación se identificó el proyectil cinético en la musculatura paravertebral. Conclusión. En el abordaje de un paciente con sospecha de herida por proyectil de arma de fuego se debe considerar ante todo la respuesta clínica y la correlación del supuesto vector del proyectil con las lesiones sospechadas. La evaluación imagenológica permite identificar oportunamente los proyectiles y evitar procedimientos o terapias innecesarias que forman parte del manejo convencional del paciente con trauma penetrante

Introduction. Kinetic energy weapons are designed to produce superficial and painful injuries. Nevertheless, the approach of these patients in the emergency department can be confusing as they can be managed as gunshot wounds. This case describes a patient with an injury in the neck caused by kinetic energy gun. In addition, we analyzed factors that might identify these wounds and their implications in the management. Clinical case. A 31-year-old male patient who presented to the emergency department referred from a second level hospital with gunshot wound with suspected trans-cervical trajectory. They performed orotracheal intubation and transferred to our institution. Due to the patient ́s hemodynamic stability and impossibility for clinical evaluation, test and radiology tests were performed. These ruled out any aero-digestive injuries. The CT-scan reported a bullet hosted in the left paravertebral muscles, ruling out a trans-cervical trajectory. Discussion. Several factors contribute to the injuries produced by kinetic energy weapons. The injury patterns may vary according to the bullet material, muzzle velocity and impacted tissue characteristics. In this case, an initial trans-cervical injury was suspected and due to clinical evaluation we identified the bullet hosted in the paravertebral muscles. Conclusion. In the approach of a patient with suspicion of gunshot wound, as surgical team we must consider clinical manifestations and the correlation of the vector with suspected injuries. Evaluation of diagnostic imaging allows the identification of traumatic bullets, avoiding unnecessary procedures in the conventional management of patients with penetrating trauma

Manejo conservador de lesión aerodigestiva: reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Conservative management of aerodigestive injury: A case report andreview of the literature

Introducción. El trauma penetrante de cuello representa un evento desafortunado de baja incidencia y alta complejidad diagnóstica y terapéutica, lo que supone un reto para el cirujano general.Caso clínico. Paciente femenina de 20 años de edad, quien sufrió una herida cervical por proyectil de arma de fuego, desarrollando de forma secundaria una lesión aerodigestiva. Se realizó un tratamiento expectante en un hospital de alta complejidad, con una evolución favorable. Discusión. En la literatura existe un claro debate en cuanto al manejo de las lesiones penetrantes en cuello y la sospecha de lesión orgánica oculta. En nuestro paciente la lesión aerodigestiva fue tratada mediante observación y seguimiento clínico. Conclusiones. El manejo de un paciente con lesión aerodigestiva se puede corroborar mediante las imágenes diagnósticas y se puede tratar de forma expectante con un resultado exitoso, sin agregar morbilidad y con un impacto adecuado en el buen uso de los recursos disponibles

Introduction. Penetrating neck trauma represents an unfortunate event with a low incidence and high diagnostic and therapeutic complexity, which represents a challenge for the general surgeon. Clinical case. A 20-year-old female patient, who suffered a cervical wound from a firearm projectile, secondarily developing an aerodigestive lesion. An expectant treatment was carried out in a high complexity hospital, with a favorable evolution.Discussion. In the literature there is a clear debate regarding the management of penetrating neck injuries and suspected occult organic injury. In our patient, the aerodigestive injury was treated by observation and clinical follow-up.Conclusions. The management of a patient with aerodigestive injury can be corroborated by diagnostic images and can be treated expectantly with a successful result, without adding morbidity and with an adequate impact on the proper use of available resources

Multi detector computed tomography imaging in penetrating injuries

Background: Penetrating injuries forms an important component of surgical emergencies. Penetrating trauma typically involves the violation of the body by a gunshot wound (GSW) or stab wound. Emergency laparotomy is the accepted management in patients with a penetrating injury who are not hemodynamically stable. However, selective non-operative management has been shown to decrease the rate of unnecessary surgery. Plain radiographs and FAST are useful for initial assessment of these patients. Multi detector CT is an indispensable tool in the evaluation of patients who are stable and are candidates for conservative treatment.Methods: A cross sectional observational study was carried out on 40 patients admitted with penetrating injury to the trauma centre of PGIMER and Dr RML hospital. Of the 40 patients, 14 were taken for emergency laparotomy. In 26 cases, MDCT was done to evaluate for solid organ, hollow organ and vascular injuries.Results: The mean age of patients was 38 years, with male to female ratio of 5:1. Stab injury was the commonest type of injury, followed by gunshot wounds. Liver was the commonest solid organ involved, followed by kidneys and spleen. Other organs involved were diaphragm, small bowel and colon.Conclusions: Penetrating injuries can be life-threatening, making prompt diagnosis essential. Recognizing key abnormalities on MDCT ensures patients are triaged appropriately. Multi-detector CT is thus widely used to evaluate penetrating injuries in stable patients.

Trauma laríngeo abierto. Reporte de un caso / Open laryngeal trauma. Report of a case / Trauma laríngeo aberto. Relato de um caso

RESUMEN Introducción: la situación superficial de la laringe la hace vulnerable a diversos traumatismos externos, que pueden resultar atenuados gracias a una gran movilidad. El trauma laríngeo abierto constituye una de las urgencias en otorrinolaringología. Presentación del caso: presentamos un caso con el objetivo de describir la conducta a seguir ante un traumatismo laríngeo abierto. Paciente masculino de 37 años de edad raza negra, procedencia urbana, sin antecedentes de enfermedad recibió un balazo en la región posterior del cuello. Discusión: es llevado con prontitud al salón de operaciones dónde se le realiza laringoscopia directa flexible en la que se observa fractura del cartílago tiroideo, y edema de epiglotis como hallazgos más relevantes. Luego se le realiza traqueotomía y cervicotomía exploradora. Después de varios días de evolución satisfactoria es dado de alta quedando solamente como secuela una disfonía funcional. Conclusiones: ante cualquier traumatismo de cuello y en lo particular de este caso, de laringe, se impone la necesidad de una anamnesis adecuada, un exhaustivo examen físico general y de la especialidad, y de los complementarios de laboratorio e imagenológicos indicados.

ABSTRACT Introduction: the superficial situation of the larynx makes it vulnerable to various external injuries, which can be attenuated thanks to great mobility. Open laryngeal trauma is one of the emergencies in otorhinolaryngology. Presentation of the case: we present a case with the objective of describing the behavior to be followed when faced with open laryngeal trauma. A 37-year-old black male, urban origin, with no history of disease, was shot in the back of the neck. Discussion: he was promptly taken to the operating room where he underwent flexible direct laryngoscopy in which a fracture of the thyroid cartilage and edema of the epiglottis were observed as the most relevant findings. Then she undergoes tracheotomy and exploratory cervicotomy. After several days of satisfactory evolution, he was discharged, leaving only functional dysphonia as a sequel. Conclusions: in the event of any neck trauma and, in particular, of this case, of the larynx, the need for an adequate anamnesis, an exhaustive general and specialty physical examination, and the indicated laboratory and imaging supplements.

RESUMO Introdução: a situação superficial da laringe torna-a vulnerável a várias lesões externas, que podem ser atenuadas graças à grande mobilidade. O trauma aberto da laringe é uma das emergências da otorrinolaringologia. Apresentação do caso: apresentamos um caso com o objetivo de descrever o comportamento a ser seguido diante de um trauma laríngeo aberto. Um homem negro de 37 anos de idade, de origem urbana, sem histórico de doença, foi baleado na parte de trás do pescoço. Discussão: Ele foi prontamente levado à sala de cirurgia, onde foi submetido à laringoscopia direta flexível, na qual foram observadas as fraturas da cartilagem tireoidiana e edema da epiglote como os achados mais relevantes. Em seguida, ela é submetida a traqueotomia e cervicotomia exploradora. Após vários dias de evolução satisfatória, recebeu alta, deixando apenas a disfonia funcional como sequela. Conclusões: no caso de qualquer trauma no pescoço e, em particular, neste caso, da laringe, a necessidade de anamnese adequada, um exame físico geral e especial exaustivo e os suplementos laboratoriais e de imagem indicados.

Embolia por proyectil por arma de fuego: a propósito de un caso / Pulmonary projectile embolism by firearm: A case report

Introducción. La embolia pulmonar por herida con arma de fuego es potencialmente fatal y una complicación rara que puede presentarse en los servicios de urgencias. En los últimos años, se ha presentado una mayor inci-dencia por la violencia social civil (85 %) que por las guerras (15 %). Los principales síntomas de los pacientes son dolor torácico, disnea y hemoptisis por la erosión vascular y el infarto pulmonar asociado.Caso clínico. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 18 años de edad que ingresó por múltiples heridas por proyec-tiles de arma de fuego, una de ellas con un proyectil alojado en la arteria pulmonar del lóbulo inferior derecho y embolia pulmonar aguda en las ramas arteriales distales al proyectil. Se optó por un tratamiento conservador y la evolución fue adecuada. Discusión. La sintomatología de esta condición depende de la localización, la trombosis asociada, los fenóme-nos de isquemia y las complicaciones hemorrágicas. Entre las complicaciones de un proyectil de fuego alojado en una arteria pulmonar, están la isquemia, la trombosis, los pseudoaneurismas, la hemorragia, el derrame pleural, la insuficiencia vascular y la endocarditis. La mayoría de los pacientes deben someterse a una intervención quirúrgica cuando el proyectil se aloja en las arterias pulmonares principales o lobares y las compromete; cuando se localiza en las arterias segmentarias y subsegmentarias, tienden a presentar fístulas con el bronquio y vasoespasmo compensatorio, lo que permitiría el manejo conservador

Introduction: Gunshot wound pulmonary embolism is potentially fatal and a rare complication that can occur in emergency departments. In recent years, there has been a higher incidence of civil social violence (85%) than for wars (15%). The main symptoms of patients are chest pain, dyspnoea and hemoptisis from vascular erosion and associated pulmonary infarction. Clinical case: We present a case of an 18-year-old patient who was admitted for multiple projectile wounds by firearm, one of them with a projectile lodged in the pulmonary artery of the right lower lobe and acute pulmonary embolism in the arterial branches distal to the projectile. Conservative management was decided, with adequate evolution.Discussion: The symptomatology of this condition depends on the location, associated thrombosis, ischemia phenomena and hemorrhagic complications. Complications of a fire projectile lodged in a pulmonary artery include ischemia, thrombosis, pseudoaneurysms, bleeding, pleural effusion, vascular insufficiency, and endocarditis. Most patients must undergo surgery when the projectile is housed in the main pulmonary arteries or lobar, when located in the segmental and subsegmental arteries tend to have fistulas with bronchi and compensatory vasospasm, which would allow conservative management

Endovascular repair of a penetrating axillary artery injury

Abstract We report a 16-year-old boy who sustained a gunshot injury on his upper left side of the chest that resulted in an injury to the left axillary artery and was treated with endovascular repair. An endovascular repair has been increasingly accepted for the management of hemorrhage in critically ill trauma patients; using covered endovascular stents provides an alternative modality for both controlling hemorrhage and preserving flow.

Manejo no operatorio de las heridas abdominales por arma de fuego basado en la tomografía computadorizada / Non-operative management of abdominal gunshot wounds based on computed tomography

Objetivo. Determinar la utilidad de la tomografía computadorizada (TC) en la selección para manejo no operatorio de pacientes con heridas abdominales por arma de fuego. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional con la información de 62 pacientes mayores de 15 años con heridas por arma de fuego sin indicación de cirugía emergente, a quienes se les practicó TC de abdomen con triple contraste. Resultados. Se analizaron 276 pacientes con heridas por arma de fuego; a su ingreso, 214 se sometieron a cirugía urgente y a 62 se les practicó TC. De estos 62, en 14 estuvo indicada la cirugía por la TC, de los cuales, 12 tuvieron lesiones que requerían manejo quirúrgico y en dos la laparotomía no fue terapéutica. En los restantes 48 pacientes, la TC indicó manejo no operatorio. No obstante, en 2 de estos, se practicaron laparotomías tempranas, las cuales fueron terapéuticas. Los otros 46 pacientes recibieron manejo no operatorio: 43 fueron dados de alta sin complicaciones y 3 fueron sometidos posteriormente a laparotomía que resultó no terapéutica. Se presentó una tasa global de intervenciones no terapéuticas de 10,1 % y manejo no operatorio exitoso en 69,3 %. La sensibilidad de de la TC fue de 85,7 % (IC95% 63,8-100 %), la especificidad de 95,8 % (IC95% 89,1% -100%), el valor predictivo positivo de 85,7% (IC95% 63,8%-100%), valor predictivo negativo de 95,8% (IC95% 89,1%-100%); la razón de verisimilitud de un resultado positivo (Likelihood Ratio, LR+ ) fue de 21,5 y el de un resultado negativo (LR- ) fue de 0,15. Conclusión. La TC es segura y confiable para predecir si los pacientes con heridas abdominales por arma de fuego son candidatos a manejo no operatorio

Objective: To determine the usefulness of computed tomography (CT) in the selection of patients with abdominal gunshot wounds for nonoperative management. Materials and methods: An observational study was carried out by reviewing the clinical records of 62 patients older than 15 years with abdominal gunshot wounds without indication for emergent surgery who underwent abdominal CT with triple contrast. Results: We analyzed the records of 276 patients with abdominal gunshot wounds, of which 214 underwent emergent surgery and 62 underwent CT. CT indicated surgery in 14 patients, 12 were therapeutic laparotomies and in two cases laparotomy was not therapeutic. In the remaining 48 patients, CT indicated non-operative management. However, in two of these therapeutic early laparotomies were performed; three of the 46 patients who underwent non-operative management had to be submitted to subsequent surgery, but at laparotomy no visceral lesion was found. An overall rate of 10.1% of non-therapeutic laparotomies was encountered and successful non-operative management was registered in 69.3%. The sensitivity of CT was 85.7% (95% CI: 63.8% -100%), specificity 95.8% (95% CI: 89.1% -100%), positive predictive value 85.7 % (95% CI: 63.8% -100%), negative predictive value 95.8% (95% CI: 89.1% -100%), LR + 21.5 and LR- 0.15 Conclusion: Abdominal CT is a safe and useful method for the selection of patients with abdominal gunshot wounds for non-operative management

Coriorretinite esclopetária / Chorioretinitis sclopetaria

O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar um caso de trauma ocular por projétil de arma de fogo, que atingiu e se alojou na cavidade orbitária, desenvolvendo coriorretinite esclopetária. Foram abordados o mecanismo fisiopatológico, os principais achados clínicos e de exames complementares, além das opções de tratamento. As características do caso relatado reforçam a importância de uma abordagem multidisciplinar no trauma ocular.

The objective of this study is to report a case of ocular trauma by gunshot bullet, which struck and lodged in the orbit, developing chorioretinitis sclopetaria. We also addressed the pathophysiological mechanism, the main clinical findings and laboratory tests, and treatment options. The characteristic of this case enhances the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the ocular trauma.

Características clínicas y demográficas de pacientes con trauma raquimedular Experiencia de seis años / Clinical and demographic characteristics of patients with spinal cord injury Six years experience

Introducción: el trauma raquimedular (TRM) es una entidad potencialmente catastrófica y la información acerca de las características del TRM penetrante relacionadas con violencia, particularmente las heridas por arma de fuego es escasa. Diseño del estudio: estudio de cohorte retrospectiva. Objetivos: determinar las características clínicas y demográficas de la población con TRM atendidas en un hospital de tercer nivel de Medellín. Métodos: revisamos las historias clínicas de los pacientes admitidos con diagnóstico de TRM entre enero de 2005 y diciembre de 2010. Se recolectaron datos con respecto a estancia hospitalaria y en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI), el estado vital y la recuperación neurológica al egreso. Resultados: tuvimos 68 casos de TRM con una frecuencia de 12 casos por 1000 pacientes admitidos a la UCI. La edad media fue de 28 años y 91% fueron del sexo masculino. La principal causa de TRM fue herida por arma de fuego (57%) seguido por accidentes de tránsito (32%). La estancia media de UCI fueron seis días, 56% de los pacientes requirió ventilación mecánica y 37% requirió traqueostomía. El nivel de lesión medular más frecuente fue cervical. La mortalidad hospitalaria fue de 21%, todos estaban con ventilación mecánica y entre más alto fue el nivel de lesión medular mayor era la mortalidad. Conclusiones: nuestra investigación muestra que la población principalmente afectada por el TRM en nuestro medio son los jóvenes y la mortalidad, así como la estancia, complicaciones infecciosas y discapacidad tienen relación directa con el nivel de lesión medular. (Acta Med Colomb2014; 40: 45-50).

Introduction: spinal cord injury (SCI) is a potentially catastrophic entity and information about the characteristics of pervasive SCI related to violence, particularly gunshot wounds, is scarce. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objectives: to determine the clinical and demographic characteristics of the population with SCI attended in a tertiary hospital in Medellin. Methods: The medical records of patients admitted with a diagnosis of SCI between January 2005 and December 2010 were reviewed. Data regarding stay in the hospital and intensive care unit (ICU), vital status and neurological recovery at hospital discharge were collected. Results: there were 68 cases of SCI at a rate of 12 cases per 1000 patients admitted to the ICU. The average age was 28 years and 91% were male. The main cause of SCI was gunshot wounds (57%) followed by traffic accidents (32%). The mean ICU stay was six days, 56% of patients required mechanical ventilation and 37% required tracheostomy. The most common level of spinal cord injury was cervical. Hospital mortality was 21%, all were mechanically ventilated and the higher the level of spinal cord injury, the greater was the mortality. Conclusions: our research shows that people mainly affected by the SCI in our environment are young and mortality, as well as stay, infectious complications and disability are directly related to the level of spinal cord injury. (Acta Med Colomb 2014; 40: 45-50).

Hybrid treatment of bullet embolism at the abdominal aortic bifurcation, complicated with thoracoabdominal aorta pseudoaneurysm and common iliac artery occlusion: case report / Tratamento híbrido de embolia por projétil de arma de fogo em bifurcação aórtica abdominal complicada com pseudoaneurisma de aorta tóraco-abdominal e oclusão de artéria ilíaca comum: relato de caso

Embolization due to a firearm projectile entering the bloodstream is a rare event that is unlikely to be suspected during initial treatment of trauma patients. We describe and discuss a case of bullet embolism of the abdominal aortic bifurcation, complicated by a pseudoaneurysm of the thoracoabdominal aorta and occlusion of the right common iliac artery, but successfully treated using a combination of endovascular methods and conventional surgery.

A embolização por projétil de arma de fogo na circulação sanguínea é rara e de difícil suspeição no atendimento inicial ao trauma. Relatamos e discutimos um caso de embolia em bifurcação aórtica abdominal complicada com pesudoaneurisma de aorta tóraco-abdominal e oclusão de artéria ilíaca comum direita, tratada de forma efetiva pelos métodos endovascular e cirúrgico convencional.

Gunshot injuries in the maxillofacial region: a retrospective analysis and management

Aim: To analyze gunshot wounds to the face, assessing the characteristics, immediate treatment,late treatment, complications and after effects. Methods: A retrospective observational study wascarried out involving 75 cases of victims of gunshot wounds to the face treated at the Oral andMaxillofacial Traumatology Unit of the Dr. Arthur Ribeiro de Saboya Hospital in the city of SãoPaulo (Brazil).Data analysis used the chi-square test with the level of significance set at 5% (p dd0.05). Results: There was a predominance of the 21-to-30-year-old age group (38.7%), malegender (92%) and wounds occurring due to assaults (37.3%). There was a predominance ofentry wounds on the left side of the face (58.5%). The most affected sites were the mandible(50.7%), maxilla (18.3%), zygomatic region (7.0%), eye socket (4.2%) and nose (1.4%).Comminuted fractures (88.2%) and simple fractures (10.3%) were recorded. No fracture occurredin 1.5% of the cases. The predominant treatment was rigid internal fixation (RIF) (57.2%),followed by exploratory surgery (23.2%) and conservative treatment (19.6%). Among thecases in which the RIF system was used, there was predominance in the mandible (64.0%). Thechi-square test revealed a significant correlation between the 2.4-mm RIF system and the mandiblein 48.0 % of cases. Conclusions: In conclusion, gunshot wounds tended to pierce the face,mainly affecting the mandible and caused comminuted fractures treated with rigid internal fixation.Immediate complications occurred in 25% of cases and after effects occurred in 11.7%.

Conceptos básicos de balística para el Cirujano General y su aplicación en la evaluación del trauma abdominal / Basic ballistics concepts for the general surgeon and their application in the evaluation of abdominal trauma

Objetivo: Proporcionar al Cirujano General los conceptos básicos de balística que le permitirán analizar y valorar adecuadamente la intensidad de las lesiones que puede encontrar en un paciente con heridas por proyectiles de armas de fuego (HPAF). Sede: Hospital Central Militar, Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional, México, D.F. Diseño: Revisión de la literatura. Material y métodos: Se analiza la definición y conceptos de balística interna, externa y terminal o de efectos y factores que afectan el comportamiento del proyectil durante su trayectoria y que, secundariamente, modificarán sus efectos en los tejidos corporales. Resultados: La energía cinética que corresponde a la energía liberada es producto de la masa (peso y tamaño del proyectil) por la velocidad del mismo al cuadrado entre dos; por tanto a mayor tamaño del proyectil, es mayor la energía liberada (un proyectil con el doble de masa que otro libera el doble de energía) y a mayor velocidad, mayor energía (el doble de velocidad, aumenta 4 veces la energía liberada). Los factores que afectan el comportamiento del proyectil durante su trayectoria y que, secundariamente, modificarán sus efectos en los tejidos corporales, son: velocidad, perfil, estabilidad, poder de expansión y/o fragmentación y la presencia de impactos secundarios. La velocidad probablemente sea el factor más importante en la evaluación de una HPAF, ya que es la que determina la trayectoria del proyectil, a mayor velocidad la trayectoria es más recta y si la distancia es corta el proyectil mantiene prácticamente toda su energía. Los proyectiles no son estériles al expulsarse, por lo que es de capital importancia considerar contaminada cualquier herida por proyectil de arma de fuego que se presente e iniciar de inmediato un esquema de antibióticos apropiado. Las únicas indicaciones válidas para extraer un PAF serían cuando se encuentren intracardiacos, intra-articulares o en la proximidad de una articulación y/o vaso importante. Conclusión: Los factores que un cirujano debe considerar para evaluar el posible potencial de daño tisular en caso de heridas por proyectiles de arma de fuego son: tipo de arma, distancia a la que se hizo el disparo, debe intentar conocer el sitio del impacto determinando el orificio de entrada y la posición de la víctima al recibir el impacto; como factores auxiliares debe conocerse el número de disparos. Una vez en presencia de la lesión, determinar la severidad de la misma conociendo las características físicas de los diferentes tejidos y su resistencia al daño.

Objective: To provide basic ballistic concepts to the General Surgeons that will allow him/her to analyze and assess adequately the intensity of the injuries that might be encountered in a patient with gunshot wounds. Setting: Central Military Hospital, National Defense Ministry, Mexico City. Design: Review of the literature. Material and methods: We analyzed the definitions and concepts of internal, external, and terminal ballistics or of the effects and factors that affect the behavior of a bullet during its trajectory, which will, in consequence, modify its effects on body tissues. Results: Kinetic energy, which corresponds to the energy released, is given by the product of mass (weight and size of the bullet) by its velocity to the square and divided by two; hence, the greater the size of a bullet, the greater will be the released energy (a bullet twice more mass than another will release twice the energy) and at a higher velocity, higher energy (a two-fold velocity increases four-times the released energy). The factors that affect the behavior of a bullet during its trajectory and that will, in consequence, modify its effects on body tissues are: velocity, profile, stability, expansion and/or fragmentation potential, and the presence of secondary impacts. Velocity is probably the most important factor in the evaluation of a gunshot wound, as this determines the trajectory of the bullet, the greater the velocity, trajectory will be straighter and if the distance is short the bullet will keep practically all its energy. Bullets are not sterile, hence it is very important to consider as contaminated any gunshot wound and to start immediately an appropriate antibiotics scheme. The only valid indications to extract a bullet would be when they are placed intracardially, intra-joints or very near to a joint and/or an important vessel. Conclusion: The factors to be taken into acount by a surgeon to assess the potential tissular damage in cases of gunshot wounds are: type of firearm, distance at which the shot was made, the surgeon must attempt to know the site of the impact by determining the entrance orifice and the position of the victim at the time of receiving the shot. As additional factors, the number of shots must be known. In the presence of an injury, the surgeon must determine its severity by knowing the physical characteristics of the diverse tissues and their resistance to the damage.

A Study of the 18 Deaths Due to Multiple Gunshot Wounds with Korean Military Rifles (K-1 and K-2) / 대한법의학회지

Forensic interpretation of whether the manner of death is suicide or homicide is very important in death cases due to multiple gunshot wounds. We analyzed 18 death cases from multiple gunshot wounds with Korean military rifles (K-1 and K-2) in the Republic of Korea Army from 2000 to 2011. In cases of the suicide, distance of gun from the body was all contact or near-contact range, except for 1 case of near range. When the selector was set to single shot, the initial entrance wounds were formed on the typical suicidal areas. The bullet tracks, however, did not involve the anatomical regions that would cause immediate incapacitation. The following entrance wounds also were sustained on the typical suicidal areas while the bullet tracks were made in the immediate incapacitation regions. When the selector was set to precision shot or multiple shot, the initial entrance wounds were located on typical suicidal areas, and the entrance wounds resulting from following bullets were gradually moving away form the initial entrance wound due to pop-up effect of the rifle. In cases of the homicide, distance of gun from the body was all distant range and the location of entrance wounds were not significantly related to typical suicidal areas.

Ferimento por projétil de arma de fogo: um problema de saúde pública / Firearm injury: a public health problem / Herida por proyectil de arma de fuego: un problema de salud publica

Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa traçar o perfil epidemiológico das vítimas de ferimento por projétil de arma de fogo (FPAF) atendidas no pronto-socorro de um hospital universitário em 2007, bem como caracterizar o atendimento no ambiente pré- e intra-hospitalar. Utilizou-se a abordagem quantitativa e de natureza transversal. A amostra constituiu-se de 98 pacientes. A maioria das vítimas tinha ferimento único por projétil de arma de fogo, eram jovens, do sexo masculino, solteiros, provenientes de Londrina. A principal causa foi o assalto. O SIATE foi o transporte mais utilizado e o principal responsável pelo atendimento pré-hospitalat (APH). Os procedimentos mais realizados no APH e no atendimento intra-hospitalar, respectivamente, foram o curativo, a imobilização e a reposição volêmica. Ocorreram internações prolongadas, necessidade de UTI e cirurgias, além de óbitos e incapacidades. Portanto, as armas de fogo têm grande importância epidemiológica, havendo a necessidade de intervenções que vão além da esfera da saúde.

This research's objective was to outline the epidemiological profile of firearm injury victims attended in the emergency unit of a university hospital in 2007. It aimed as well to characterize pre and intra hospital care. It is a cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 98 patients. The majority of victims presented a single firearm injury, were young, male, single, from the city of Londrina, Paraná. The injury main cause was robbery. The ambulances of the Trauma and Emergency Care Integrated System (in Portuguese, SIATE) were the most employed means of transportation and the main provider of pre-hospital care. The most common pre and intra-hospital care procedures were dressing, immobilization and fluid replacement, respectively. Prolonged hospitalization, need for intensive care and surgery as well as injury related disabilities and deaths occurred. The epidemiology of firearms injuries must be better understood although its control depends on interventions that are outside the healthcare scope.

Con este estudio se buscó trazar el perfil epidemiológico de las víctimas de proyectil de arma de fuego (HPAF) atendidas en la guardia de un hospital escuela durante 2007 y, asimismo, determinar la atención previa e intra hospitalaria. Se trata de un estudio transversal con enfoque cuantitativo. La muestra consistió en 89 pacientes. La mayoría de las víctimas tenían una sola herida por proyectil de arma de fuego, eran jóvenes, varones, solteros, de la ciudad de Londrina. La causa principal era asalto. Las ambulancias de Traumas y Emergencias del Sistema Integrado de Salud fueron los vehículos más utilizados y los más responsables de la atención pre- hospitalaria (APH). Los procedimientos más realizados en la APH y en la atención intrahospitalaria, respectivamente, fueron curativo, inmovilización y reposición volémica. Hubo internaciones prolongadas, necesidad de UTI y cirugías, además de óbitos e incapacidad. Las armas de fuego tienen gran importancia epidemiológica y por ello es necesario que su control implique otras esferas más allá del alcance del área de salud.

Management of gunshot injuries to the head and brain

Craniocerebral gunshot wounds are often devastating. The in-hospital mortality for civilians with penetrating craniocerebral injury is 52-95 percent depending on the proportion of suicide victims in the series. The devastating nature of this lesion is accentuated by the fact that predominantly affects young and healthy patients. The most important predictive factor is the post-resuscitation Glasgow Coma Score (GCS). Early aggressive resuscitation, surgery and vigorous control of intracranial pressure offers the best chance of achieving a satisfactory outcome. In this paper the authors performed a critical literature review about this issue and discuss the clinical aspects and management in these patients.

Patterns and Factors for In-hospital Mortality of Gunshot Injury in Armed Forces Hospitals

PURPOSE: The frequency of gunshot injuries in Korea has recently increased, and treatment and evaluation of gunshot wounds are not confined to military medicine. Here, we evaluated patterns of gunshot injuries to determine factors affecting mortality. METHODS: This was a retrospective, multi-center study of gunshot injury in three tertiary military medical centers. The medical records of patients with gunshot injuries between January, 200X, and December, 200X, were reviewed. Injury severity was evaluated according to the Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS), and Trauma Score and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) indices. RESULTS: We recruited 37 patients, with most injuries in the head and neck (35.1%), with the brain showing the highest ISS score. The mean injury-to-hospital arrival time was 96.6 +/-58.2 minutes, and the hospital arrival-to-emergency operation time was 122.6+/-84.5 minutes. A total of 7 patients (18.9%) suffered severe injury, defined as ISS> or =16, and a Maximal Abbreviated Injury Scale (ABI)> or =4 was seen in 6 patients (16.2%). Mortality due to gunshot injury was 18.9%. In the survival group (n=30), the mean ISS was 5.9 +/-6.0, RTS was 7.5+/-1.1, and TRISS was 0.98+/-0.06. In the death group (n=7), mean ISS was 18.4+/-9.5 RTS was 1.1+/-1.4, and TRISS was 0.21+/-0.34. Brain injury, multiorgan injury, ISS> or =16, and maximal ABI> or =4 were significantly associated with death after gunshot injury. CONCLUSION: The head and neck were the most frequently injured sites, with attempted suicide contributing to more than 30% of gunshot injures in South Korea. Multi-organ injury was the most significant factor affecting mortality.

Penetrating Gunshot Injuries to the Brain

OBJECTIVE: Civilian gunshot injuries to the brain are relatively rare and study of these injuries has been neglected in South Korea. We present our experience with penetrating gunshot injuries to the brain and review the outcome of surgical management, as well as other clinical predictors influencing the prognosis. METHODS: We present a retrospective analysis of 13 patients with penetrating gunshot injuries to the brain who were treated at our hospital over a period of 22 years. RESULTS: The Glasgow Coma Scale(GCS) score on admission was recorded to be : 3-5 in 1 patient, 6-8 in 3 patients, 9-12 in 2 patients and 13-15 in 7 patients. There were 11 patients who underwent surgical treatment, and the surgical mortality rate was 0%. The admission GCS score was the most valuable prognostic factor. The best results were found to be in patients admitted with an initial GCS higher than 13. There were no favorable outcomes in patients admitted with a GCS of 8 or lower. There was a correlation between the presence of a transventricular or bihemispheric trajectory and poor outcome. The patients admitted with unilobar wounds resulted in better outcome than those with bilobar or multilobar wounds. Retained deep intracranial bone or metal fragments were the most common postoperative complication. However, retained fragments did not increase the risk of infection or seizure. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that a less aggressive approach, consisting of minimal local debridement and removal of the bone and metal fragments that are easily accessible, can be successfully used in civilian gunshot wounds to the brain.

Study on Early Changes of Myocardial Combination Enzyme in Dogs with Gunshot Wound in Seawater / 医学研究杂志

Objective To investigate the changes of myocardial combination enzyme in the early stages of gunshot wound of dogs in seawater for exploring early treatment protocol. Methods Fourteen conventional Beagles models undergoing gunshot wound in seawater were used along with another 3 dogs receiving the wound on land to serve as control. After the dogs were rescued from the seawater, the origin of blood coming from central venous pressure tube was measured (33.75?25.29) min before and after injured for indexes such as alkaline aminotransferase (ALT) , aspartate aminotransferase (AST) , creatine kinase (CK) , creatine kinase isoenzymes - MB (CK -MB) , lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and adenosine monophosphate (AMY) in the early stages of wound, followed by statistical analysis of the results. Results There was an increase in blood CK (P0.05). As compared with the control, the experimental group in seawater was observed to have significant difference in blood AMY (P 0.05). But it was noted that CK, CK - MB , LDH , AST and ALT contents tended to increase. Conclusion The functions of respiratory, heart, liver and kidney were injured and restrained in Beagle dogs undergoing the firearms wound in natural seawater. The immediate diagnosis and treatment of the organism as well as the out - of - wound - tract injury shoud do while the firearms primal wound tract were treated in the early stages of gunshot wound.

The Effects of Temporary Cavity of High-Velocity Missiles on Adjacent Blood Vessels / 中华创伤杂志

Both thigns of the dogs were injured with 5.56mm M193 Bullets. The effects of the temporary cavity of high velocity missiles on the femoral arteries were studied. The displacement of the femoral artery was proportional to the size of the temporary cavity. The partial endothelial injury, Ices of intima, rupture of internal elastic membrane and thrombi were observed in the femoral arteries within 4 cm of residual track. The injuries in the leg with an exit wound were more severe than that in the leg with an entrance wound, the incidence of thrombosis in 24 and 172 hour groups was higher than in 6 hour group.