Inner city gunshot injuries: south London experience

Abstract

Background: The Metropolitan Police figures in 2009 suggest a 23% decrease in the incidence of injuries related to offensive weapons in London compared to 2002. We conducted a retrospective analysis of extremity gunshot injuries over a 1-year period. Our aim is to report on our (1) incidence, (2) experience in treating these injuries and (3) complications. Methods: Over a 1-year period (2008–2009), 27 extremity gunshot injuries in 23 patients were identified and case notes reviewed retrospectively. The following were identified and analysed: fracture patterns (AO classification), treatment (operative/ non-operative), complications and patient compliance. Results: Our results show a 15% increase the rate of extremity gunshot injuries compared to data from 2002. Two-third of our injuries were managed non-operatively. Complications were as follows: four wound infections, one delayed union, one compartment syndrome, one vascular injury and three nerve injuries. Outpatient compliance was below average. Conclusion: Our data suggests that extremity gunshot injuries are on an increase in the south London highlighting the need for trauma surgeons’ knowledge of the management of these injuries. This group of patients have poor compliance and one should take this into account when treating these injuries in outpatient setting.