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Gunshot-induced fractures of the extremities: a review of antibiotic and debridement practices

  • Gunshot Wounds and Blast Injuries (D Stinner and MK Sethi, Section Editors)
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Abstract

The use of antibiotic prophylaxis and debridement is controversial when treating low- and high-velocity gunshot-induced fractures, and established treatment guidelines are currently unavailable. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the literature for the prophylactic antibiotic and debridement policies for (1) low-velocity gunshot fractures of the extremities, joints, and pelvis and (2) high-velocity gunshot fractures of the extremities. Low-velocity gunshot fractures of the extremities were subcategorized into operative and non-operative cases, whereas low-velocity gunshot fractures of the joints and pelvis were evaluated based on the presence or absence of concomitant bowel injury. In the absence of surgical necessity for fracture care such as concomitant absence of gross wound contamination, vascular injury, large soft-tissue defect, or associated compartment syndrome, the literature suggests that superficial debridement for low-velocity ballistic fractures with administration of antibiotics is a satisfactory alternative to extensive operative irrigation and debridement. In operative cases or those involving bowel injuries secondary to pelvic fractures, the literature provides support for and against extensive debridement but does suggest the use of intravenous antibiotics. For high-velocity ballistic injuries, the literature points towards the practice of extensive immediate debridement with prophylactic intravenous antibiotics. Our systematic review demonstrates weak evidence for superficial debridement of low-velocity ballistic fractures, extensive debridement for high-velocity ballistic injuries, and antibiotic use for both types of injury. Intra-articular fractures seem to warrant debridement, while pelvic fractures with bowel injury have conflicting evidence for debridement but stronger evidence for antibiotic use. Given a relatively low number of studies on this subject, we recommend that further high-quality research on the debridement and antibiotic use for gunshot-induced fractures of the extremities should be conducted before definitive recommendations and guidelines are developed.

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Conflict of interest

Vasanth Sathiyakumar, Rachel V. Thakore, Daniel J Stinner, James R. Ficke, and Manish K. Sethi declare that they have no conflict of interest.

William T. Obremskey has previously consulted for biometrics, provided expert testimony in legal matters, and had a grant from the Department of Defense.

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With regard to the authors’ research cited in this paper, all institutional and national guidelines for the care and use of laboratory animals were followed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA

    James R. Ficke

  2. Vanderbilt Orthopaedic Institute Center for Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University, Suite 4200, South Tower, MCE, Nashville, TN, 37221, USA

    Vasanth Sathiyakumar, Rachel V. Thakore, Daniel J. Stinner, William T. Obremskey & Manish K. Sethi

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  1. Vasanth Sathiyakumar
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Sathiyakumar, V., Thakore, R.V., Stinner, D.J. et al. Gunshot-induced fractures of the extremities: a review of antibiotic and debridement practices. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 8, 276–289 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-015-9284-9

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