title: Open fractures caused by high velocity missiles: the outcome of treatment of 39 fractures followed for 1-3 years.
abstract: Between 1993 and 1995, thirty-three patients having 39 fractures caused by missiles fired from a high velocity rifle were reviewed retrospectively between 1 and 3 years after injury and the outcome of treatment assessed. Majority (33 out of 39) were Grade III. Union was achieved in 35 out of 39 fractures, there was deep infection and delayed union in one case each. Non-union occurred in three fractures. The fractures were stabilized using different techniques, but highest complication rate was seen with the use of the static external fixator. This was related to the severe nature of the injury as well as the inherent limitations of the external fixator. Revision of the external fixator with internal fixation after healing of the soft tissues seems to be the direction of the future.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hussain
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Umar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016267:External Fixators / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation; D017102:Fracture Healing; D005597:Fractures, Open / Q000601:surgery*; D005599:Fractures, Ununited / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017695:Soft Tissue Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014458:Ulna Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D014945:Wound Healing; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000601:surgery*