Introduction:

Gunshot injuries are increasingly affecting the civilian population. In Uruguay, between 2011 and 2012, 88 patients were documented at INOT. This study aims to update the case series ten years later, to describe the current epidemiology, and to assess treatments and associated complications.

Methodology:

A case series study was conducted. All patients who attended the INOT emergency department between 2021 and 2022 were included.

Results:

A total of 165 patients with 172 gunshot injuries were included. Seventy-four percent of the injuries involved the lower limbs, most frequently the femur (30.8%) and tibia (24.4%). Vascular injuries occurred in 8.7% and nerve injuries in another 8.7%. Treatment was surgical in 52% of cases. External fixators, plates, and nails were used, depending on the treating orthopaedic surgeon’s decision. Follow-up was variable: 33% of patients did not return after the initial assessment. Seventy-six percent of patients reported drug use. Complications occurred in 29% of patients (with follow-up), with 14% developing infections.

Conclusions:

Gunshot-related fractures have increased in Uruguay over the past ten years. The association with neurovascular injuries is frequent. Follow-up of these patients is challenging, and drug use is common. Complications were frequent (29%), with infection standing out (14%). Patients with vascular injuries, external fixators, or open approaches to the fracture site had a higher risk of infection.

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