Rifle—Plate 31.
UPPER EXTREMITY.
Gunshot Fracture of the Lower End of the Radius.
Wound of entrance, anterior aspect of wrist, over internal border of radius.
Wound of exit, posterior aspect of wrist between radius and ulna, with laceration.
The range was described as “close”—within a hundred yards—with the bullet in high velocity. The energy of the projectile, imparted to small fragments of cancellous tissue, drove them through the wound of exit, and caused the laceration of the superficial tissues. The wound was infected (swelling of soft parts clearly shown): resolution followed extended treatment, with ankylosis of the wrist and radial displacement of the carpus.
Emergency treatment in all such cases is antiseptic dressing without exploration or manipulation of fragments, and with splint immobilization.
Results are unfavorable as to function, depending upon extent of destruction of tendons.
Plate 32.
