Musculoskeletal pellet gun injuries; report from a conflict zone

Authors

  • Towseef A. Bhat Department of Orthopaedics, SKIMS MC, Bemina, Srinagar, India
  • Aejaz A. Bhat Department of Orthopaedics, SKIMS MC, Bemina, Srinagar, India
  • Aabid H. Sofi Department of Orthopaedics, SKIMS MC, Bemina, Srinagar, India
  • Irshad Ahmad Department of G. Surgery, SKIMS, Soura, Srinagar, India
  • Amara Gulzar Department of Emergency Medicine, SKIMS MC, Bemina, Srinagar, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4510.IntJResOrthop20173616

Keywords:

Pellet, Pellet gun, Musculoskeletal

Abstract

Background: Pellet gun used by law enforcement agencies have the potential to cause grevious or life threatening injuries as metallic projectiles fired at high speeds from pellet gun have potential to damage strongest structure like bone.The objective of the study was to evaluate musculoskeletal pellet gun injuries in patients.

Methods: This study was conducted over two years involving 88 patients.

Results: A significant number of patients had grevious musculoskeletal pellet gun injuries. 50 patients had superficial injuries, 11 patients had fractures, 5 had nerve injuries, 7 had tendon injuries and 15 had intra-articular pellets.

Conclusions: Pellet guns can cause grevious musculoskeletal injuries which can leave the victim with lifelong disability.

Author Biography

Towseef A. Bhat, Department of Orthopaedics, SKIMS MC, Bemina, Srinagar, India

Senior Registrar Orthopaedics

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Published

2017-08-24

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Original Research Articles