Evaluation of Gunshot Wounds to the Extremities: Correlation of Red Cross Wound Score and Initial Response to Management

Authors

  • Obene Tonye Adaiyi
  • Abhulimen Victor 
  • Echem Richard 

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47672/ajhmn.1191

Keywords:

Red Cross Wound Score, gunshot wounds, extremities

Abstract

Purpose: Gunshot wounds to the extremities are a major cause of death and disability. The Red Cross Wound Score (RCWS) is a simple classification system that is thought to fairly assess severity of injury, influence surgical management and a good predictor of outcome in gunshot wounds. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between the Red Cross Wound Score RCWS and initial response to management.

Methodology: This was a prospective study recruiting all consenting patients who suffered gunshot wounds to any extremity and presented at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). The study was conducted over a 12-month period between October 2018 and September 2019. Data on demographics, anatomical region of the body involved, type of gun time between injury and hospital presentation were obtained using a proforma. Analysis of extracted data was done by the aid of SPSS for Windows version 20.

Findings: A total of 106 wounds from 82 patients were analyzed; seventy males (85.4%) and 12 females. AK 47 rifles and locally fabricated pistols were the wounding weapons in 32.9% and the left leg (28.3%) was the most injured extremity. Fifty-two wounds (49%) were grade 3, 44 (41.5%) wounds grade 2 and 10 wounds (9.4%) grade 1. There was a positive association between RCWS grade 3 wounds and limb length discrepancy and joint stiffness. Vascular injuries were seen in 6 patients (0.07%). Wound infection (46.2%), joint stiffness (41.5%) and shortening (34%) were the common complications in the study. The study showed that young adult males suffered more gunshot wounds than females. Most of the wounds were RCWS grade 3 and there was a positive association between RCWS grade 3 wounds and limb length discrepancy and joint stiffness. Patients with longer mean presentation time had a higher infection rate.

Recommendations: The Red Cross wound classification should be adopted as a useful scoring system. Also, patients with gunshot injuries should present earlier to the hospital to reduce complications.

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Author Biographies

Obene Tonye Adaiyi

Department of Surgery, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

Abhulimen Victor 

Department of Surgery, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

Echem Richard 

Department of Surgery, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

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Published

2022-09-14

How to Cite

Adaiyi, O. T. ., Victor , A. ., & Richard , E. . (2022). Evaluation of Gunshot Wounds to the Extremities: Correlation of Red Cross Wound Score and Initial Response to Management. American Journal of Health, Medicine and Nursing Practice, 7(11), 9–21. https://doi.org/10.47672/ajhmn.1191