Evaluating the Role of a Radiologist in the Firearm Injuries: A Case Series of Important Medico-legal and Health Prospects

Abstract

Background: In the emergency department, many cases present with a bullet injury. Bullet injury accidents are highly sensitive cases due to the medico-legal aspect and political issues. Gunshot injuries have increased in the past few years because of the easy availability of guns and firearms. Young male adults are more involved in criminal activity and suicides. Gunshot injuries are high-energy injuries that lead to extensive soft tissue damage and bone fractures. Materials and Methods: This retrospective descriptive study was performed on eight patients with gunshot injuries between January 2021 and December 31, 2021. After initial first aid, patients underwent an X-ray and computed tomography for further assessment of soft tissue damage, surgical planning, and forensics. SPSS software was used to analyze the collected data and generate descriptive statistics, and the data were plotted in tabular format. Results: In this article, we discussed the imaging investigation modalities primarily used for firearm injury elaborated on the tissue damage due to firearms and secondary complications. Of eight patients, 87% had single bullet injuries, while 13% had shotgun injuries. In addition, 62% had head and neck injuries, whereas 38% had chest and abdomen injuries. Conclusion: There are many cases presented in the emergency department with firearm injuries. Radiological investigations are always essential for management or surgical planning to rule out the visceral damage and medico-legal aspects. For an accurate diagnosis, a radiologist must know about the essentials of firearm injuries.