(iii) Military limb injuries/ballistic fractures

SummaryMilitary limb injuries and ballistic fractures occur most commonly in the lower limbs and the degree of tissue damage is related to the energy transfer from the missile. Most are multi-fragmentory. Contamination is a far greater problem in the military environment, and wound exploration, debridement and irrigation is mandatory for all military ballistic injuries. Stabilization of military ballistic fractures poses specific problems.