Management of Civilian Gunshot Injuries to the Extremities in Nigeria-an Overview

ABSTRACT

There is an increasing incidence of missile injury attributable to improved technology; and increased crime and conflict rates in both developing and developed nations of the world. We undertook a review of civilian gunshot injuries to the extremities in Nigeria. The pathology of these injuries as well as their implications for management are presented. The peculiar challenges they present to the orthopaedic surgeons in the management of gunshot injuries in a resource depleted country are highlighted. Community based socially and culturally acceptable conflict resolution mechanisms; control of fire arms and revision of the treatment guidelines are recommended as preventive and management strategies of gunshot injuries in Nigeria