Gunshot wounds to the forearm

The rising incidence of civilian gunshot wounds has been well documented. Approximately 4% to 20% of these wounds consist of injuries to the forearm. An organized approach to the treatment of these injuries should be used to obtain an optimal result. Factors to be considered in treatment include the type of weapon and bullet involved, the neurovascular status of the patient, the possibility of compartment syndrome, the presence and type of fracture, and soft-tissue injury.