title: Immediate internal fixation of low-velocity gunshot-related femoral fractures.
abstract: Fractures caused by gunshots are increasingly common in urban hospitals and trauma centers. The rising incidence and complexity of these injuries present difficult management problems and health care burdens. In a 3-year period, from 1989 through 1991, 21 patients with femoral shaft fractures from low-velocity bullets were treated with intramedullary fixation within 15 hours of admission. Eighteen patients were available for follow-up. The fractures had healed in all patients. Average hospitalization for an isolated injury was 7 days. There were no complications related to immediate internal fixation. Immediate internal fixation of femoral shaft fractures caused by low-velocity gunshots can be performed in an efficient and cost effective manner.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104.
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Levin
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Esterhai
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Heppenstall
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012086:Reoperation; D013997:Time Factors; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*