Joint and long-bone gunshot injuries.

Abstract

Gunshot wounds remain a major clinical problem, with the number of nonfatal gunshot wounds reported as 60,000 to 80,000 per year in the United States. Bone or joint injuries comprise a major portion of gunshot wound injuries. It is paramount for orthopaedic surgeons to be thorough in their treatment of patients with these injuries. Intra-articular injuries remain a source of significant clinical morbidity because of joint stiffness, arthritis, and the risk of infection. Treatment of long-bone fractures is a challenging clinical problem, and further studies are needed to investigate modern treatment methods. Lead toxicity is a potential risk for patients with gunshot injuries, particular for those with joint injuries. The clinician's recognition of the signs and symptoms of lead toxicity is important to achieve the best care for these patients.