Gunshot wound to the hand from a handgun fired at point blank range
These days, gunshot injuries have become very common. Depending on the severity of the wound, appropriate measurements should be taken in the emergency department. The anatomy of the hand involves so many structure that an injury to an area may result in varying degrees of damage to different parts. The common hand injuries due to a gunshot are fracture on bones of the hand and fingers (the carpal bones, metacarpals, and phalanges), bone loss and instability, soft tissue injuries to the muscles, tendon and ligament injuries and damage to the nerve and blood vessels. Following a limited debridement (removing dead tissue from the wound), the fractures are managed with early fracture stabilization, internal/external fixation, reduction and splinting. Follow-up surgeries are indicated depending on the extent and severity of the injury. Bone grafting is used in some cases, while in others amputation of digits or the damaged parts may be required. An infection during treatment should be managed with antibiotics. The primary aim is to maximize functional ability and minimize the limitations or disabilities related to hand, which can be achieved with appropriate reconstruction and rehabilitation.
