Gugala and Lindsey developed a classification system for gunshot wounds in a civilian. The authors are from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
Parameters:
(1) energy of the projectile (E)
(2) vital structures involved (V)
(3) wound type (W)
(4) fracture type (F)
(5) contamination (C)
|
Parameter |
Finding |
Designator |
|
energy |
high energy |
HE |
|
|
low energy |
LE |
|
vital structure |
none |
V0 |
|
|
functional damage (neuropraxia) |
V1 |
|
|
damage to small neurovascular structure |
V2 |
|
|
damage to an organ, major blood vessel, central nervous system |
V3 |
|
wound type |
grazing or blast (nonpenetrating) |
W1 |
|
|
penetrating, with no exit wound |
W2 |
|
|
perforating, with entrance and exit wounds |
W3 |
|
fracture type |
none |
F0 |
|
|
fracture that does not require stabilization |
F0 |
|
|
extra-articular with comminution < 25% |
EF1 |
|
|
extra-articular with comminution 25 - 50% |
EF2 |
|
|
extra-articular with comminution 51 - 75% |
EF3 |
|
|
extra-articular with comminution > 75% |
EF4 |
|
|
intra-articular, with single capsular perforation and soft tissue damage that is not extensive |
IF1 |
|
|
intra-articular, with capsular penetration and extensive soft tissue damage |
IF2 |
|
|
intra-articular, open periarticular fracture with extension to the articular surface |
IF3 |
|
|
intra-articular fracture with dislocation |
IF4 |
|
|
intra-articular fracture with nerve or vascular injury |
IF4 |
|
contamination |
relatively clean |
C1 |
|
|
moderate contamination |
C2 |
|
|
gross contamination (dirty wound) |
C3 |
where:
• The energy designator may be modified if the finding is confirmed ("C") or suspected ("S"). For example, a high energy wound that is confirmed would be designated HE-C.
Specialty: Surgery, orthopedic, Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, Surgery, general
