Effects of gun violence on orthopedic trauma resource allocation

Abstract

PurposeGun violence is a serious public health crisis in the United States, with firearm-related violence accounting for as many deaths annually as traffic accidents. Gunshot wounds cause an array of musculoskeletal injuries, especially in the extremities, making them an important consideration for orthopedic trauma providers. Recently, there has been a decrease in gun violence mortality but an increase in gun violence incidence. This has coincided with high economic costs secondary to non-fatal gunshot wound treatment. ResultsThis review highlights the ramifications of gun violence, the financial instability it causes, its contribution to the closure of orthopedic trauma centers, and its disproportionate effects on racial minorities and rural populations due to trauma care inaccessibility. Trauma centers are reimbursed at low rates for treatment of orthopedic injuries caused by gunshot wounds, resulting in the loss of millions of dollars annually. Economic pressure has forced the closure of many orthopedic trauma centers, ultimately limiting access of minority groups to trauma care given the disparately high gun violence incidence in these communities. Additionally, rural Americans face severe access inequities, and due to a lack of appropriate research funding, the effects of gun violence on rural communities are not fully understood. ConclusionIt is imperative that orthopedic surgeons advocate for increased funding to facilitate research of gun violence through the lens of public health. Funding for orthopedic trauma centers should be increased to redirect hospital system resources to better treat high risk patient populations, improve rural access to appropriate orthopedic trauma care, and mitigate gun violence incidence.