AIM Traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a gunshot wound is a complex injury with a broad spectrum of symptoms and high rates of mortality and morbidity. This study presents an evaluation of TBI caused by gunshot wounds presenting at a single institution and discusses possible predictive factors for the outcome of surgical intervention. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study sample consisted of 442...

HYPOTHESIS Penetrating neck trauma has traditionally been evaluated by surgical exploration and/or invasive diagnostic studies. We hypothesized that computed tomography (CT), used as an early diagnostic tool to accurately determine trajectory, would direct or eliminate further studies or procedures in stable patients with penetrating neck trauma. DESIGN Retrospective case series. SETTING Ac...

In 1537, France was at war with the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V, for the third time. The French expedition into Piedmont went to relieve the siege of Turin and occupy territory whose title was disputed by François I, the French king. The commander of the French infantry sent into northern Italy was the Marshal de Montejan, and he was accompanied by a young French surgeon, Ambroise Paré. Paré ...

Introduction: Despite extensive experience with civilian gunshot fractures or wounds, no consensus exists on a standard protocol to manage these injuries. Many authors recommended immediate debridement, but the optimal timing of internal fixation and the use of antibiotic have not been determined. The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss our experience. Material and methods: In Janua...

Current Opinion in Critical Care 2010, 16:609–617 Purpose of review Patients with penetrating abdominal trauma are at risk of harboring life-threatening injuries. Many patients are in need of emergent operative intervention. However, there are clearly patients who can be safely managed nonoperatively. This review evaluates the literature to identify management guidelines for patients with penet...

Complications of wounds and cosmetic surgery can be accurately managed with a combination of timely surgical and medical intervention to ensure the best possible outcome. The lack of soft tissue protection and a large quantity of susceptible synovial, tendon, ligament, and neurovascular structures make early and meticulous evaluation of limb wounds critical. Skin grafting is usually used follow...

Gunshot wounds to the spine account for 13% to 17% of all gunshot injuries and occur predominantly in the thoracic region. Minimally invasive spine surgery procedures implementing serial muscle dilation and the use of a tubular retracting system with a working channel minimize soft tissue trauma, facilitate less bony and soft tissue resection, decrease blood loss, minimize scarring and improve ...

The morbidity, mortality, and economic cost attributable to handgun violence are staggering. Of the 192 million firearms in the United States, only one third are handguns. Yet, it is estimated that two-thirds of the more than one million Americans killed with a firearm in the past 30 years were killed with a handgun. The risk of death from homicide is threefold higher in homes where a firearm i...