Gunshot wound of forearm. Bullet in situ in bone.
The probing of bullet wounds is so unwise that it may be well to state the reasons for its general condemnation:
1. As it used to be practised, neither probe nor skin nor the operator’s hands were sterilized.
2. Even when carefully done it is often absolutely disappointing, the probe failing to reveal the presence of the bullet.
3. By the time the probe is introduced the wound will be usually more or less filled with blood clot. To stir this with a probe is to invite a secondary hemorrhage or annoying oozing.
4. Even when properly used the probe may carry in infectious material from the surface.
5. Most wounds made by modern bullets, even pistol bullets, are of such a character that it is difficult to follow their track without using force.
6. I have known a wound on the anterior surface of the body to be probed for a bullet that had escaped, as shown by an examination of the other side of the body, which the attendants had failed to search.
7. If there be good reason for exploration of a wound let it be postponed until the surgeon is prepared to follow a bullet and extract it. When it does not call for extraction, it does not call for probing.