Bilateral decompressive craniectomy as a damage control strategy for a preschooler multilobar bihemispheric firearm injury: a case report and systematic review.

The absence of guidelines for managing gunshot wounds to the head (GSWH) with bihemispheric lesions in pediatric patients highlights the need for prompt and diverse damage control strategies. This article aims to systematically evaluate the evidence surrounding the management of GSWH in preschoolers and to report a novel approach. We present a case of a 4-year-old girl who sustained a gunshot wound to the left parietal region. She was admitted to a level 1 trauma center 90 min post-injury with stable vital signs, a Glasgow coma scale (GCS) of 12 (E3, V3, M6), and grade III hemiparesis in her right upper limb. Initial surgical management included left hematoma decompression and right frontotemporoparietal decompressive hemicraniectomy in two stages under the same anesthesia. Due to massive brain swelling during the left-sided procedure, it was converted to a left frontotemporoparietal decompressive hemicraniectomy. Both procedures included autologous pericranium augmentation duraplasty and watertight suturing. A right-side decompressive hemicraniectomy followed without exploring bullet lodging, using bilateral Kempe incisions. Bone flaps were stored under cryopreservation. During a 30-day hospital stay, neurological assessments showed a gradual recovery of right upper limb strength to grade IV + , with no other deficits or operative complications. Postoperative CT scans at 7, 14, and 28 days showed minor pseudomeningoceles and a reduction of intraparenchymal edema. Multidisciplinary care continued throughout the stay. The patient showed no signs of endocrinological, infectious, or residual neurological issues and underwent bilateral autologous cranioplasty on day 35. She was discharged on day 38 with a GCS extended of 8 (full recovery/minor deficits not affecting daily activities) and minor right upper limb apraxia. A systematic review identified nine patients under 6 years old with GSWH, with only one previously reported case of a 3-year-old patient with bihemispheric lesions undergoing bilateral craniectomies and achieving positive outcomes. Our case and the review suggest that bilateral decompressive hemicraniectomy is a feasible strategy for managing multilobar bihemispheric GSWH in preschoolers. However, the evidence of management for this population remains of low quality, highlighting the need for further research, and justifying this case report.

Examining firearm-related deaths in Mexico, 2015-2022.

BACKGROUND: Globally, Mexico is one of six countries with the highest level of firearm mortality. While previous studies have examined firearm mortality in Mexico before 2015, increases in violence since then highlight the need for an updated analysis. In this study, we examined changes in firearm-related deaths in Mexico from 2015 to 2022 and described these deaths by key demographic groups, incident location, and state of occurrence. Data came from Mexico's Instituto Nacional de Estadistica y Geografia (INEGI), a federal agency that collects and reports national population data. We used descriptive statistics to analyze rates, proportions, and percentage changes in firearm mortality, and we displayed temporal trends using time plots and special trends using maps. RESULTS: Firearm deaths increased in Mexico from 2015 to 2018 but slightly decreased from 2018 to 2022. Homicides presented the highest increase and the highest proportion of firearm-related deaths from 2015 to 2022. Victims were primarily males but rates among women increased at a higher proportion (99.5% vs 53.5%). One third of victims were 20-29y but rates among children and adolescents (10-9y) increased at a higher proportion. Most firearm-related deaths occurred in streets or public spaces but the percentage of incidents occurring in households have increased. State-level rates and percentage changes varied significantly. States with higher rates of firearm mortality coincide with those involving conflict among organized criminal organizations. CONCLUSION: Firearm mortality in Mexico is a major public health burden. The epidemiology of firearm-related deaths in Mexico varies by intent, demographics, location, and states. To mitigate this challenge, multiple solutions are required.

La dinámica del comercio ilegal de armas de fuego en Lima, Perú / The dynamics of the illegal firearms trade in Lima, Peru / A dinâmica do comércio ilegal de armas de fogo em Lima, Peru

El comercio ilegal de armas de fuego representa un problema significativo para mantener el orden y la seguridad del país, pues conlleva la adquisición de armas y municiones sin cumplir la normatividad y las regulaciones proporcionadas por el Estado, desviando la utilización de dichos equipos hacia la delincuencia. La investigación tiene como propósito analizar la dinámica del comercio ilegal de armas de fuego en Lima, Perú, mediante una metodología cualitativa y de diseño fenomenológico hermenéutico. La muestra incluye veinte funcionarios de la Policía Nacional del Perú (PNP) y la Superintendencia Nacional de Control de Servicios de Seguridad, Armas, Municiones y Explosivos de Uso Civil (Sucamec). La información se recolectó por medio de entrevistas semiestructuradas. El estudio concluye que el comercio ilegal de armas de fuego se estructura en tres fases clave: la primera fase determinada por la filtración o desvío de armas del mercado legal al ilegal, debido a la falta de control y fiscalización por las autoridades pertinentes. La segunda fase implica la creación de un mercado ilegal en espacios itinerantes, donde participan diversos actores, como intermediarios y compradores. La tercera y última fase comprende la consumación del delito, incluye la entrega del arma y el pago bajo estrictas medidas de seguridad para asegurar la impunidad de los involucrados.

The illegal trade in firearms represents a significant problem for the maintenance of order and security in the country, as it leads to the acquisition of arms and ammunition without complying with the norms and regulations provided by the State, diverting the use of such equipment towards crime. The purpose of this research is to analyse the dynamics of the illegal firearms trade in Lima, Peru, using a qualitative methodology and a hermeneutic phenomenological design. The sample includes twenty officers from the Peruvian National Police (PNP) and the National Superintendence for the Control of Security Services, firearms, Ammunition and Explosives for Civilian Use (Sucamec). The information was collected through semi-structured interviews. The study concludes that the illegal firearms trade is structured in three key phases: the first phase determined by the leakage or diversion of arms from the legal to the illegal market, due to the lack of control and oversight by the relevant authorities. The second phase involves the creation of an illegal market in itinerant spaces, where various actors, such as intermediaries and buyers, participate. The third and final phase involves the consummation of the crime, including the delivery of the weapon and payment under strict security measures to ensure the impunity of those involved.

O comércio ilegal de armas de fogo representa um problema significativo para a manutenção da ordem e da segurança no país, pois leva à aquisição de armas e munições sem o cumprimento das normas e regulamentos fornecidos pelo Estado, desviando o uso desses equipamentos para o crime. O objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar a dinâmica do comércio ilegal de armas de fogo em Lima, Peru, usando uma metodologia qualitativa e um desenho fenomenológico hermenêutico. A amostra inclui vinte policiais da Polícia Nacional do Peru (PNP) e da Superintendência Nacional de Controle de Serviços de Segurança, Armas, Munições e Explosivos para Uso Civil (Sucamec). As informações foram coletadas por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas. O estudo conclui que o comércio ilegal de armas de fogo está estruturado em três fases principais: a primeira fase é determinada pelo vazamento ou desvio de armas do mercado legal para o ilegal, devido à falta de controle e fiscalização por parte das autoridades competentes. A segunda fase envolve a criação de um mercado ilegal em espaços itinerantes, onde vários atores, como intermediários e compradores, participam. A terceira e última fase envolve a consumação do crime, incluindo a entrega da arma e o pagamento sob rigorosas medidas de segurança para garantir a impunidade dos envolvidos.

Epidemiologic analysis and mortality outcome of firearm injuries in French Guiana (2016-2019).

BACKGROUND: French Guiana (FG) is a French territory located in South America with the highest rate of armed assaults. FG presents a poorly developed road system and a young and precarious population that makes the geographical and socio-demographic characteristics specific. No data concerning the firearm injury management are available in this country. Studying thesis trauma could permit to improve the management of victims. The objective of this study is to investigate the epidemiology of firearm injuries in FG, to define characteristics of the victims, and to assess factors associated with death. These identified factors could enable target primary prevention and intensification of medical management. METHODS: From January 2016 to December 2019, we conducted a retrospective study at the Cayenne General Hospital (CGH), including all patients admitted for firearm injuries in the emergency department, the medical emergency and resuscitation service, and the forensic service. A bivariate analysis was performed to assess relevant clinical data that were entered into a logistic regression model to assess factors associated with death. RESULTS: A total of 871 files were analyzed concerning 340 patients included after cross-checking. Victims were mainly males (90%) and young (30 ± 11 years old). The injury occurred mainly at night (60%), in a context of assaults (83%) and with long-barreled guns (82%). Among the 290 patients managed at the CGH, 60% were hospitalized including 12% that were in the intensive care unit, 41% that required surgical treatment, and 7% that died in hospital. The overall average length of stay was 10 ± 18 days. Overall mortality (n = 71, 21%) is statistically associated with male gender (p = 0.007) and suicide context (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the sites of wounds (head and neck, thorax; p < 0.001) as well as induced organ injuries (neurological, respiratory, and vascular; p < 0.005) were independent factors associated to mortality. CONCLUSIONS: This work underlines the high incidence of ballistic trauma in FG. This mainly involves a young and male population linked to the use of long arms and assaults. Despite the geographical difficulties of the territory and the technical platform deficits (no neurosurgery, no cardiothoracic surgery, no interventional radiology), the mortality is comparable to other studies, but remains more than twice as high as in mainland France. Finally, despite a change in legislation restricting access to firearms, our results show that gunshot firearm injuries remain a major public health concern requiring greater political actions.

Firearm manufacturing and imports in the USA and their association to firearm homicides in Central America and the Caribbean, 1991-2019.

BACKGROUND: Firearm manufacturing and imports grew in the US during the mid-2000s. We hypothesise those increases corresponded to increased international firearms trafficking and in turn were associated with increases in firearm homicides abroad. METHODS: We used the Global Burden of Disease database to quantify annual firearm and non-firearm homicide rates in Central American and Caribbean countries, 1991-2019. We obtained US firearm manufacturing and import data from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. We used two-way fixed effects regressions to estimate within-country associations between homicide rates (firearm and non-firearm) and US firearm manufacturing and imports. FINDINGS: Firearm homicide rates in Central American and Caribbean countries increased from 8.38/100K population in 2004 to 17.55/100 K in 2012 and remained steady thereafter. Those surges coincided with increases in US firearm manufacturing/imports (from 4.99 million in 2004 to 13.12 million in 2012). Non-firearm homicides remained roughly constant from 1991 to 2019. Adjusted analysis showed that an annual increase of one million firearms manufactured/imported in the US corresponded to an annual increase of 1.42 (95% CI 0.62 to 2.21) firearm homicides per 100 K in Central American and Caribbean countries. The corresponding change for non-firearm homicides was -0.18 (95% CI -1.46 to 1.11). We found country-to-country variability in these effects. INTERPRETATION: Increases in US firearm manufacturing/imports were associated with increases in firearm homicide rates in Central American and Caribbean countries but not associated with non-firearm homicides. The specificity to firearm homicides suggests possible international repercussions of increased firearm manufacturing and imports in the US implications are discussed.

Suicide victims and alcohol-related consumption in Brazil: An observational study and a narrative review of the literature.

Deaths due to external causes, mainly suicide, are a severe public health problem in Brazil. Evidence shows that the tendency to impulsive behavior is exacerbated after alcohol consumption. The relationship between alcohol and suicide is poorly described in the medical literature. The study aims to analyze the relationship between victims' blood alcohol levels and suicides in some municipalities in Greater São Paulo, Brazil. We reviewed the data from the medical records of 805 necropsies performed at the Medical Legal Institute of Sao Paulo in Franco da Rocha, Brazil, from 2001 to 2017. The manner of death was established based on the result of police inquiry. Deaths due to suicide (n=41) were selected for the study. Descriptive statistics and Student t-test was applied when appropriate. The variables studied were sex, age, suicide mechanism, and blood alcohol level (BAC). In all cases we could not determine how much time the deceased consumed alcohol before suicide. Of the individuals analyzed, 85.36% were male, and 14.64% were female. The most prevalent age range for males was between 18 and 23 (19.5%). For females, it was between 12 and 23 years (33.2%). Most suicides (48.78%) were due to hanging, followed by self-poisoning (22.08%) and firearms (17.1%). 38 victims (92.68%) presented a positive BAC, over 0.3 mg/dl. The higher levels were in the group of suicide by hanging (2.3 mg/ml). Thus, alcohol intoxication is common among suicide victims, and it can contribute to the fatal outcome as a risk factor. Further studies are necessary for a better comprehension of the effect of alcohol on suicide victims.

Association between adolescents who are victims of bullying and weapon possession.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the association between victims of bullying and weapon possession among school adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out with 2,296 high school students aged 14-19 years. An instrument containing questions from the validated Youth Risk Behavior Survey questionnaire and the National School Health Survey was used. To describe the profile of interviewees, absolute and relative frequencies were calculated, and the chi-square test was applied to verify the existence of associations. To test the association of bullying with weapon possession, Poisson logistic regression (univariate and multivariate) was used. The significance level used for all analyses was 5%. RESULTS: Among adolescents interviewed, 23.1% reported being victims of bullying. Among victims of bullying, 37.6% (PR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.30 - 2.17) reported having already carried some type of weapon (knife, revolver, or truncheon) in the last 30 days, while the reported firearm possession was 38% (PR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.16 - 2.40) and 47.5% of these adolescents carried some type of weapon (knife, revolver or truncheon) in the school environment (PR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.50 - 2.93). CONCLUSIONS: It could be observed that adolescents who are victims of bullying are twice as likely of carrying some type of weapon (knife, revolver, or truncheon) to the school environment, and are also more likely of carrying a firearm.

Association between adolescents who are victims of bullying and weapon possession

Abstract Objective To verify the association between victims of bullying and weapon possession among school adolescents. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out with 2,296 high school students aged 14-19 years. An instrument containing questions from the validated Youth Risk Behavior Survey questionnaire and the National School Health Survey was used. To describe the profile of interviewees, absolute and relative frequencies were calculated, and the chi-square test was applied to verify the existence of associations. To test the association of bullying with weapon possession, Poisson logistic regression (univariate and multivariate) was used. The significance level used for all analyses was 5%. Results Among adolescents interviewed, 23.1% reported being victims of bullying. Among victims of bullying, 37.6% (PR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.30 - 2.17) reported having already carried some type of weapon (knife, revolver, or truncheon) in the last 30 days, while the reported firearm possession was 38% (PR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.16 - 2.40) and 47.5% of these adolescents carried some type of weapon (knife, revolver or truncheon) in the school environment (PR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.50 - 2.93). Conclusions It could be observed that adolescents who are victims of bullying are twice as likely of carrying some type of weapon (knife, revolver, or truncheon) to the school environment, and are also more likely of carrying a firearm.

Presença de risco de transtorno do estresse pós-traumático em policiais militares feridos por arma de fogo / Presence of risk of posttraumatic stress disorder in military police officers wounded by firearms / Presencia de riesgo de trastorno de estrés postraumático en policías militares heridos por armamiento de fuego

Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar o risco de desenvolvimento de transtorno de estresse pós-traumático (TEPT), bem como sua associação com pensamentos ou tentativas suicidas e a saúde mental de policiais militares feridos por arma de fogo, na Região Metropolitana de Belém (RMB), nos anos de 2017 a 2019. A pesquisa contou com a participação de 30 entrevistados, que responderam o Inventário Demográfico e a Lista de verificação de TEPT para o DSM-5 (PCL-5). Para análise dos dados, utilizou-se a técnica estatística Análise Exploratória de Dados e a técnica multivariada Análise de Correspondência. Os resultados revelaram a existência de risco de desenvolvimento do transtorno de forma parcial ou total em uma expressiva parcela da população entrevistada, tendo homens como maioria dos sintomáticos, com média de 38 anos, exercendo atividades operacionais e vitimados em via pública quando estavam de folga do serviço. O ferimento deixou a maioria com sequelas, com destaque para dores crônicas, limitações de locomoção e/ou mobilidade e perda parcial de um membro. E, ainda, policiais sintomáticos apresentaram comportamentos suicidas, relatando já terem pensado ou tentado tirar a própria vida. Desta forma, conclui-se que policiais militares são expostos constantemente a traumas inerentes a sua profissão. Quando há ameaça de vida, como nos casos de ferimentos por arma de fogo, são suscetíveis a sequelas físicas decorrente do ferimento, somadas a sequelas mentais tardias, como o surgimento de sintomatologias de TEPT e ideação suicida.(AU)

This study aimed to identify the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its associations around suicidal thoughts or attempts and mental health in military police officers injured by firearms, in the Metropolitan Region of Belem (RMB), from 2017 to 2019. The research had the participation of 30 respondents who answered the Demographic Inventory and the PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). For data analysis, we used the statistical technique Exploratory Data Analysis and the multivariate technique Correspondence Analysis. The results revealed the existence of risk of developing partial or total disorder in a significant portion of the interviewed population, with men as most of the symptomatic individuals, with mean age of 38 years, developing operational activities and victimized on public roads when they were off duty. The injuries left most of them with sequelae, especially chronic pain, limited locomotion and/or mobility, and partial loss of a limb. In addition, symptomatic officers showed suicidal behavior, such as reporting they had thought about or tried to take their own lives. Thus, we conclude that military policemen are constantly exposed to traumas inherent to their profession. When their lives are threatened, as in the case of firearm wounds, they are susceptible to physical sequelae resulting from the injury, in addition to late mental sequelae, such as the appearance of PTSD symptoms and suicidal ideation.(AU)

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar el riesgo de desarrollo de trastorno de estrés postraumático (TEPT) y sus asociaciones con pensamientos o tentativas suicidas y la salud mental en policías militares heridos por armamiento de fuego, en la Región Metropolitana de Belém (Brasil), en el período entre 2017 y 2019. En el estudio participaron 30 entrevistados que respondieron el Inventario Demográfico y la Lista de verificación de TEPT para el DSM-5 (PCL-5). Para el análisis de datos se utilizaron la técnica estadística Análisis Exploratoria de Datos y la técnica multivariada Análisis de Correspondencia. Los resultados revelaron que existen riesgos de desarrollo de trastorno de estrés postraumático de forma parcial o total en una expresiva parcela de la población de policías entrevistados, cuya mayoría de sintomáticos eran hombres, de 38 años en media, que ejercen actividades operacionales y fueron victimados en vía pública cuándo estaban de día libre del servicio. La lesión dejó la mayoría con secuelas, especialmente con dolores crónicos, limitaciones de locomoción y/o movilidad y la pierda parcial de un miembro. Aún los policías sintomáticos presentaran comportamiento suicida, tales como relataran qué ya pensaron o tentaron quitar la propia vida. Se concluye que los policías militaran se exponen constantemente a los traumas inherentes a su profesión. Cuando existe amenaza de vida, como en los casos de heridas por armamiento de fuego, son expuestos a secuelas físicas transcurridas de la herida, sumado a secuelas mentales tardías, como el surgimiento de sintomatologías de TEPT y la ideación suicida.(AU)

Tratamiento de las fracturas por herida de arma de fuego: revisión bibliográfica sistematizada / Treatment of gunshot wound fractures: systematic review of the literature / Tratamento de fraturas por arma de fogo: revisão bibliográfica sistematizada

Introducción: Las fracturas por heridas de arma de fuego son un motivo de consulta habitual en nuestro país. Existe gran variabilidad de conductas respecto a su tratamiento. El objetivo principal de este trabajo es analizar los distintos tratamientos y sus indicaciones. Materiales: Se realizó una revisión sistematizada de la literatura en las bases de datos Pubmed y Scielo. Se incluyeron artículos con fracturas por herida de arma de fuego en miembros superiores e inferiores, excluyendo la mano. Se analizó: tratamiento (ortopédico o quirúrgico), debridamiento, antibioticoterapia y complicaciones. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 19 artículos que cumplían los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Los artículos tuvieron un Nivel de Evidencia tipo 2b, 3 y 4. Conclusiones: Los artículos analizados tienen un bajo nivel de evidencia. La fijación quirúrgica es variable y depende de la topografía ósea, la lesión de partes blandas y las lesiones asociadas. El debridamiento profundo está relacionado con mayores índices de infección. Las fracturas estables de tratamiento ortopédico no deberían debridarse ya que aumenta los índices de infección. Debería realizarse antibioticoterapia intravenosa inicial en todos los pacientes, la terapia posterior es discutida.

Introduction: Fractures due to gunshot wounds are a common reason for consultation in our country. There is great variability of conduct regarding its treatment. The main objective of this work is to analyze the different treatments and their indications. Materials: A systematic review of the literature was carried out in the Pubmed and Scielo databases. Articles with fractures due to gunshot wounds in the upper and lower limbs (excluding the hand) were included. We analyzed: treatment (orthopedic or surgical), debridement, antibiotic therapy and complications. Results: 19 articles were obtained that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The articles had a Level of Evidence type 2b, 3 and 4. Conclusions: The articles analyzed have a low level of evidence. Surgical fixation is variable and depends on bone topography, soft tissue injury, and associated injuries. Deep debridement is associated with higher rates of infection. Stable orthopedically treated fractures should not be debrided as this increases infection rates. Initial intravenous antibiotic therapy should be performed in all patients, subsequent therapy is discussed.

Introdução: As fraturas por ferimentos por arma de fogo são motivo comum de consulta em nosso país. Há grande variabilidade de conduta quanto ao seu tratamento. O objetivo principal deste trabalho é analisar os diferentes tratamentos e suas indicações. Materiais: Foi realizada revisão sistemática da literatura nas bases de dados Pubmed e Scielo. Foram incluídos artigos com fraturas por arma de fogo em membros superiores e inferiores, excluindo a mão. Foram analisados: tratamento (ortopédico ou cirúrgico), desbridamento, antibioticoterapia e complicações. Resultados: foram obtidos 19 artigos que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Os artigos tinham Nível de Evidência tipo 2b, 3 e 4. Conclusões: Os artigos analisados ​​apresentam baixo nível de evidência. A fixação cirúrgica é variável e depende da topografia óssea, lesão de tecidos moles e lesões associadas. O desbridamento profundo está associado a maiores taxas de infecção. Fraturas estáveis ​​tratadas ortopedicamente não devem ser desbridadas, pois isso aumenta as taxas de infecção. A antibioticoterapia intravenosa inicial deve ser realizada em todos os pacientes, a terapia subsequente é discutida.

Heridas atípicas producidas por proyectil de arma de fuego Reporte de caso / Atypical wounds caused by firearm projectile Case report

Resumen Las heridas por proyectil de arma de fuego se definen como los efectos que producen sobre el organismo los disparos realizados con armas cargadas de proyectiles o diversos tipos de pólvora u otros explosivos. La valoración médico legal en estos casos, en personas vivas, se realiza en la Sección Clínica Médico Forense del Departamento de Medicina Legal del Organismo de Investigación Judicial, esta incluye la historia médico legal, el examen físico, el análisis de documentos médicos aportados, pericias conexas efectuadas y revisión de bibliografía, esto para tener todos los elementos de juicio que permitan realizar un análisis objetivo y basado en la evidencia científica, y así poder responder a las interrogantes de la Autoridad Judicial. El presente artículo abarca algunos de los aspectos principales a tomar en cuenta ante hallazgos atípicos de los orificios de entrada y salida de los proyectiles, mediante la presentación y abordaje de un caso clínico.

Abstract Firearm projectile injuries are defined as the effects produced on the body by shots fired with weapons loaded with projectiles or various types of gunpowder or other explosives. The legal medical assessment in these cases, in living persons, is carried out in the Forensic Medical Clinical Section of the Department of Legal Medicine of the Organismo de Investigación Judicial, this includes the legal medical history, physical examination, analysis of medical documents provided, expert carried out and bibliography review, this to have all the elements of judgment that allow an objective analysis based on scientific evidence, and thus be able to answer the questions of the Judicial Authority. This article covers some of the main aspects to be considered when faced with atypical findings of the entry and exit holes of the projectiles, through the presentation and approach of a clinical case. Ver bases de datos

Abordagem odontológica ao paciente vítima de lesão causada por projétil de arma de fogo - revisão de literatura / Dental approach to patient victim of injury clausod by firearm projectil - literature review

O Ferimento por Projétil de Arma de Fogo (PAF), também conhecido como trauma balístico é todo e qualquer trauma físico causado por arma de fogo, sendo considerado um problema de saúde pública mundial, devido sua alta prevalência, seu grande impacto psicossocial e o alto custo com tratamento. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar as diferentes abordagens terapêuticas relacionadas ao ferimento por arma de fogo na área de cirurgia e traumatologia bucomaxilofacial, contribuindo assim para a elaboração de protocolos de atendimento mais eficazes e formulação de políticas públicas mais eficientes. Para isso, foi realizado uma revisão de literatura nas principais bases de dados: Scielo, Medline e Pubmed, no período entre 1998 e 2021, nas línguas inglesa e portuguesa. Observou-se que este tipo de lesão foi mais prevalente em jovens do sexo masculino, os quais geralmente apresentaram fraturas cominutivas em mandíbula, sendo o tratamento cirúrgico o mais indicado. Sendo assim, é de suma importância que todos os profissionais envolvidos no tratamento ao paciente vítima de PAF saibam tratar de forma adequada, para a melhoria da qualidade de vida de todos os envolvidos.

Firearm Projectile Injury (FPI), also known as ballistic trauma, is any physical trauma caused by a firearm considered a worldwide public health problem due to its high prevalence, great psychosocial impact and the high cost of treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the different therapeutic approaches related to gunshot wounds in the area of maxillofacial surgery and traumatology, thus contributing to the development of more effective care protocols and the formulation of more efficient public policies. For this, a literature review was carried out in the main databases: Scielo, Medline and Pubmed, in the period between 1998 and 2021, in English and Portuguese. It was observed that this type of injury was more prevalent in young males, who generally presented comminuted fractures in the mandible, with surgical treatment being the most indicated. Therefore, it is of paramount that all professionals involved in the treatment of FAP know how to treat it properly, providing better health outcomes for its victims.

Non-fatal gunshot injuries during criminal acts in Mexico, 2013-2019.

INTRODUCTION: As the volume of firearms (legal and illegal) in Mexico grows, gun violence has become a major public health challenge. While studies have focused on gun-related homicides and robberies, there is a dearth of research addressing non-fatal gunshot injuries. At the same time, official government sources report limited information and undercount these injuries. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is threefold. First, to provide data of non-fatal gunshot injuries sustained during crimes in Mexico; second, to estimate their initial individual healthcare costs; finally, to compare those costs to those resulting from other forms of injuries. This article contributes to discussions on gun violence in Mexico and its impact on public health. METHODS: We analysed Mexico's National Crime Victimization Survey from 2014 to 2020. FINDINGS: We estimated that there were approximately 150 415 non-fatal gunshot injuries during crimes perpetrated from 2013 to 2019. We found that most non-fatal criminal gunshot injuries occur during a robbery and that victims tend to be men and young people between 18 and 35 years of age. Most of these injuries occur in urban areas and public spaces. While non-fatal gun-related injuries are not as common during crimes as other non-fatal injuries, their initial individual healthcare expenses are significantly higher. Crimes involving gun-related injuries reported an average expense of 16 643 pesos and crimes involving other forms of injuries reported an average of 1281 pesos. This discrepancy highlights the health burden associated with gun violence.

Lesión del nervio ciático mayor por proyectil de escopeta / Lesion of the major sciatic nerve due to a shotgun projectile

Se describe el caso clínico de un paciente de 26 años de edad, atendido en la consulta de Ortopedia y Traumatología del Centro de Diagnóstico Integral Salvador Allende de Caracas, en la República Bolivariana de Venezuela, quien desde hacía 6 meses había recibido un disparo de escopeta en la cara posterior de ambos muslos. Esta vez acudió a consulta con dolor intenso en el miembro inferior izquierdo, sobre todo por debajo de la rodilla, acompañado de parestesias en la zona de inervación de ambas ramas de bifurcación del nervio ciático. Se pudo comprobar que el joven presentaba múltiples impactos de proyectiles en la cara posterior de ambos muslos y marcha claudicante. Los estudios radiográficos confirmaron la presencia de 8 proyectiles, 2 en el muslo derecho y 6 en el izquierdo. En la vista lateral se observó que uno de ellos se encontraba a una profundidad que se correspondía con la región anatómica del nervio ciático izquierdo. Para la intervención quirúrgica se utilizó anestesia local, sedación y un intensificador de imágenes. Con la cooperación del paciente se pudo extraer el proyectil alojado en el epineuro del ciático sin complicaciones. A los 3 meses habían desaparecido las molestias y pudo reincorporarse a sus actividades habituales.

The case report of a 26 years patient is described. He was assisted in the Orthopedics and Traumatology Service of Salvador Allende Integral Diagnostic Center from Caracas, in the Bolivian Republic of Venezuela who had received a shotgun shot in the posterior face of both thighs 6 months ago. This time he went to visit the doctor with intense pain in the left inferior member, mainly below the knee, accompanied by paresthesias in the innervation area of both bifurcation branches of the sciatic nerve. It could be demonstrated that the young man presented multiple projectile impacts in the posterior face of both thighs and hesitating gait. The radiographic studies confirmed the presence of 8 projectiles, two in the right thigh and 6 in the left one. In the lateral view it was observed that one of them was at a depth that matched with the anatomical region of the left sciatic nerve. Local anesthesia, sedation and an images intensifier were used for the operation. The projectile located in the epineurium of the sciatic nerve could be removed with the patient cooperation without complications. After 3 months the discomfort had disappeared and he could return to his usual activities.

Suicidio mediante el uso de un arma de fuego, con presencia de doble Signo de Hoffmann: reporte de un caso / Firearm suicide with the presence of a double Hoffmann sign: case report

Resumen El presente artículo expone el caso de un suicidio de un masculino, el cual presentó dos orificios de entrada en la cabeza con características propias de un orificio de contacto, específicamente dos signos de boca de mina, también conocido como signo de Hoffmann.

Abstract This article presents the case of a suicide of a male, which presented two entry holes with characteristics of a contact hole in his head, two mine mouth signs, also known as Hoffman´s sign.

Social representations regarding firearms / Representações sociais sobre armas de fogo / Representaciones sociales acerca de las armas de fuego

Discussions about firearms have become usual in the Brazilian context, implying a wide range of arguments and positions among individuals. In view of this wide array of opinions and the concrete episodes involving firearms, the present study aimed to analyze firearms' social representations. The sample consisted of 100 participants, ranging from 19 to 66 years old (M = 34.31; SD = 12.12). Participants responded to a word evocation questionnaire, an open-ended question on firearm carrying permit, and reported demographic data. The openEvoc and Iramuteq software were used for data analysis. At their core, social representations concerning firearms were characterized by the perception of death, succeeded by the following elements: violence, security, danger, defense, and protection, simultaneously encompassing an ambiguity between risk and protection.

A discussão sobre armas de fogo tem se tornado usual no contexto brasileiro, acarretando uma variabilidade de argumentos e posicionamentos entre as pessoas. Tendo em vista essa multiplicidade de opiniões e os episódios concretos envolvendo arma de fogo, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo analisar as representações sociais sobre armas de fogo. Para isso, a amostra foi composta por 100 participantes, com idades variando entre 19 e 66 anos (M = 34,31; DP = 12,12). Os participantes responderam a um questionário de evocações de palavras, uma questão aberta sobre o porte de armas e informaram dados demográficos. Para a análise dos dados, foram utilizados os programas openEvoc e Iramuteq. Verificou-se que as representações sociais sobre armas de fogo foram caracterizadas em sua centralidade pela percepção da morte, seguida dos elementos: violência, segurança, perigo, defesa e proteção, abrangendo, concomitantemente, uma ambiguidade de risco e proteção.

La discusión acerca de las armas de fuego se ha vuelto habitual en Brasil, trayendo en consecuencia una variabilidad de argumentos y posicionamientos entre las personas. Teniendo en vista esta multiplicidad de opiniones y los episodios concretos envolviendo armas de fuego, el presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo analizar las representaciones sociales acerca de las armas de fuego. La muestra fue compuesta por 100 participantes, con edades que varían entre 19 y 66 años (M = 34,31; DP = 12,12). Los participantes han respondido un cuestionario de evocaciones de palabras, una pregunta abierta acerca del porte de armas y reportaron dados demográficos. Para análisis de los datos, fueron utilizados los programas openEvoc y Iramuteq. Se ha comprobado que las representaciones sociales sobre las armas de fuego fueron caracterizadas en su centralidad por la percepción de la muerte, seguida de los elementos: violencia, seguridad, peligro, defensa, protección; que abarca, concomitantemente, una ambigüedad de riesgo y protección.

Presentation, management and evolution of patients with abdominal gunshot wound. A decade of violence in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic injuries represent 9.6% of the global surface of the disease and represent the third most common cause of death in adults and adolescents. Patients were admitted to the hospital presenting traumatic injuries, penetrating abdominal traumatism remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the presentation, handling and development of patient's gunshot wound. METHOD: Retrospective, descriptive, observational study. It was reviewed from 2010-2015 in the statistics department of the University Hospital Dr. José E. González all patients diagnosed with firearm projectile injury in abdomen. RESULTS: Were admitted above an average of 1.22 ± 0.51 lesions, on a Glasgow coma scale of 13.59 ± 2.5, oxygen saturation of 96.2 ± 2.09, heart rate of 94.4 ± 20, respiratory rate of 22 ± 6 and shock degree of 1.5 ± 0.80. CONCLUSION: Vital signs and specific characteristics of the lesion are essential and useful for the prediction of mortality due to abdominal traumatism by firearm projectile, in addition to the quantification of wounds and associated organic lesions, these are being evaluated both as a whole and separately.

ANTECEDENTES: Las lesiones traumáticas representan el 9.6% de la carga global de la enfermedad y son la tercera causa más común de muerte en adultos y adolescentes. Entre los pacientes ingresados en el hospital con lesiones traumáticas, el traumatismo penetrante abdominal sigue siendo una importante causa de morbilidad y mortalidad. OBJETIVO: Analizar la presentación, el manejo y la evolución de los pacientes con herida por proyectil de arma de fuego en el abdomen. MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y observacional. Se revisaron todos los pacientes con diagnóstico de herida por proyectil de arma de fuego en el abdomen en el departamento de estadística del Hospital Universitario Dr. José E. González durante los años 2010-2015. RESULTADOS: Del total, 21 (9.1%) pacientes eran del sexo femenino y 229 (90.9%) del sexo masculino. Se ingresaron con un promedio de 1.22 ± 0.51 lesiones, con una puntuación en la Escala de coma de Glasgow de 13.59 ± 2.5, saturación de oxígeno de 96.2 ± 2.09, frecuencia cardiaca de 94.4 ± 20, frecuencia respiratoria de 22 ± 6 y grado de choque de 1.5 ± 0.80. CONCLUSIÓN: Los signos vitales y las características específicas de la lesión son esenciales y útiles para la predicción de la mortalidad por traumatismo abdominal por proyectil de arma de fuego, además de la cuantificación de heridas y lesiones orgánicas asociadas, siendo evaluadas estas tanto en un todo como por separado.

The marks of gunshot wounds to the face.

INTRODUCTION: This article deals with the occurrence of health problems due to gunshot wounds to the face among military police officers, in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro, who were submitted to surgery at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology Clinic of Hospital Central da Polícia Militar. OBJECTIVE: To identify the profile of patients submitted to surgery as a result of gunshot wounds, the anatomical distribution of maxillofacial fractures, the identified sequelae and complications, the health specialties involved in the rehabilitation of these patients, and to discuss the social, emotional and work performance-related effects of work among these subjects. METHODS: A retrospective epidemiological study was carried out based on secondary data from military police officers who were submitted to surgery at Hospital Central da Polícia Militar due to gunshot wounds from June 2003 to December 2017. RESULTS: During the study period, 778 surgeries were performed in the operating room by the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Traumatology service at Hospital Central da Polícia Militar, 186 of which were due to gunshot wounds (23.9%). All patients were males and the mean age 34.7 years. Bone segment loss was the most common sequela. Facial esthetic impairment and reports of insomnia were the most often identified late consequences of impact on health and social life. Regarding the occupational impacts of the sustained injury, the mean time away from work due to medical leave for the treatment of maxillofacial injuries was 11.7 months. CONCLUSION: The treatment of gunshot wounds patients with facial injuries requires multiple surgical interventions and their rehabilitation requires the involvement of different health specialties. Further studies are needed to qualitatively analyze the impact of this type of facial trauma on the patients' lives and their social consequences.

Lesiones precordiales: reporte de dos casos / Precordial injuries: report of two cases

Las heridas precordiales son una entidad poco frecuente y desafiante en cirugía de trauma en los servicios de Emergencia. La incidencia elevada de taponamiento y trauma cardiaco, así como su alta mortalidad obliga a tomar decisiones diagnósticas y terapéuticas rápidas y precisas. Material y Métodos: se presentan los casos de dos pacientes masculinos que ingresaron al servicio de Emergencia del Hospital Roosevelt con lesiones precordiales penetrantes con trauma pericárdico y cardiaco, con diferentes manifestaciones clínicas a los que se les realizó ventana pericárdica subxifoidea diagnóstica y seguido una esternotomía media con exposición pericárdica y cardiaca como abordaje y tratamiento quirúrgico definitivo. Discusión: Es de suma importancia reconocer los amplios escenarios de presentaciones clínicas del paciente con heridas en la región precordial y mantener un alto índice de sospecha de trauma y taponamiento cardiacos en todas las lesiones precordiales penetrantes en pacientes estables e inestables para no retrasar el diagnóstico y tratamiento quirúrgico temprano y adecuado. Las lesiones asociadas y complicaciones trans y postoperatorias aumentan la mortalidad de estos pacientes (AU)

Precordial wounds are rare and challenging lesions in Trauma Services. The high incidence of cardiac trauma and the high mortality requires fast and precise diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. Case report: Two male patients who were admitted to the Roosevelt Hospital Emergency Service with penetrating precordial injuries with pericardial and cardiac trauma are presented, with different clinical manifestations, who underwent a diagnostic subxiphoid pericardial window and a median sternotomy with pericardial and cardiac exposure as a definitive surgical approach and treatment. Discussion: Is important to recognize the broad scenarios of patients with wounds in the precordial region and to maintain a high index of suspicion of cardiac trauma and tamponade in all penetrating precordial injuries inclusive in stable patients to not delay diagnosis and treatment and a proper surgical intervention. Associated injuries and perioperative complications increase the mortality of these patients