Abstract
IntroductionNorthern Ireland has developed significant experience in specific punishment injuries due to its unique civil unrest. Simple gunshot wound (GSW) injuries have begun to evolve into more complex injuries.Case presentationWe describe three cases of young male victims who suffered from GSW injuries—from a single GSW injury to multiple GSW injuries involving all four limbs; the phenomenon of Belfast Limb Arterial and Skeletal Trauma. We describe the management of these injuries, with a review of current literature.ConclusionDue to the unique political situation of Northern Ireland, there has been significant development of surgical experience in GSW management. Historically, single knee-capping injuries were prevalent. However, these shootings have evolved into targeted injuries resulting in significant trauma as demonstrated by this case series.
Highlights
Introduction NorthernIreland has developed significant experience in specific punishment injuries due to its unique civil unrest
Case presentation We describe three cases of young male victims who suffered from gunshot wound (GSW) injuries—from a single GSW injury to multiple GSW injuries involving all four limbs; the phenomenon of Belfast Limb Arterial and Skeletal Trauma
Unique to our region was a phenomenon of punishment shootings by illegal organisations as a form of control within the civilian population
Summary
Punishment shootings in Northern Ireland are once again following an upward trend. We have witnessed a re-emergence of punishment shootings which have evolved beyond knee-capping, to a form of anatomically targeted arterial and skeletal trauma: the phenomenon we describe here as the BLAST. These potentially devastating injuries can be managed by a multidisciplinary team experienced in vascular trauma care to achieve limb salvage and good functional outcomes.
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