[Gunshot injuries of the limbs (5 years of experience; 1970-1975)]. / Strelne povrede ekstremiteta (petogodisnje iskustvo (1970-1975)

In this study the authors present 19 patients with injuries caused by firearms. Six patients had injuries of soft tissues only, while the remaining 13 had bone fractures as well. Special attention was drawn to wounds inflicted by hunting and military rifles. The study provides data concerning the degree of injury caused by bullets with high muzzle velocities. The importance of early management of wounds and preventive treatment with antibiotics was pointed out. The fact that one patient died, and three patients had to undergo amputation does not tend to lessen the success achieved in the treatment of these severe, life endangering injuries.