Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to call attention to social problems related with morbidity and mortality due to gunshot injuries and call awareness in the community. METHODS: In this study, 34 cases aged 17 and below hospitalized due to gunshot injuries in the Department of Orthopedics at the University of Yuzuncu Yil were evaluated retrospectively between September 2005 and April 2008. Age, sex, place of birth, type of gun and injury, life threatening conditions, physical exam findings and X-ray results of the cases were assessed. Results: All 34 cases were aged 17 and below with an average age of 13.11±2.34. Twenty-nine (85.3%) of the cases were males and five (14.7%) were females. Cases were living in and around the city of Van in 55.9% and Hakkari, Agri, Bitlis, Siirt and Mus in 44. 1 per cent. In 27 (79.4%) cases injuries on the extremities due to short barrel guns, in four (11.8%) cases injuries on the extremities and pelvis due to long barrel guns and in three (8.8%) cases injuries due to explosives were detected. CONCLUSION: In 20 (58.8%) cases upper extremities, in eleven (32.4%) cases lower extremities, in two (5.8%) cases lower extremity, chest and abdomen, and in one (2.9%) case chest and abdomen injuries were determined while in 14 (41.2%) cases life-threatening conditions were observed. According to the records events were accidental in 20, intentional in nine and not determined in five cases. Due to the conflict in our region for decades together with a rise in use of weapons results in an increase in injuries of children with firearms and munitions. Therefore, community awareness targeting especially parents and a rehabilitation center for children should be of primary concern.

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