Pattern and Impact of gunshot injuries in Najran region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background and Aims: Gunshot injuries are common in war zones. This study retrospectively looks at the pattern of gunshot injuries presented to a tertiary care hospital in war zone. Methods: A retrospective analysis of data was carried out for 239 patients treated at King Khalid Hospital, Najran Saudi Arabia, for gunshot injuries from April 2016 to December 2017. The demographic data, anatomical site of gunshot injury, type of injury, and clinical outcome were analyzed. Results: The most affected age group was 16–35 years, while the most common site of injury was the lower extremities. War injuries accounted for 71% and civilian assaults for 29%. Wounds with inlet and outlet accounted for 55%, while injuries with only inlet wounds were 45%. The mortality rate was 7.9%, out of which the patients with head injuries had the highest mortality. There was a statistically significant positive relationship between head injury site and mortality (p < 0 .001), association between head injury site and penetration status (p = 0.006, as well as head injury site and nationality (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Findings reveal pattern of gunshot injuries in war zone consistent with the reported literature. Complete treatment and rehabilitation of patients with such injuries in active war zone can strain the tertiary care facilities