ReviewJournal of orthopaedics
The role of arthroscopy in bullet removal: A systematic review of the literature.
Review in Journal of orthopaedics. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
7 citing papers in PubMed.
- The Minimally Invasive Posterior Approach: A Novel Technique for Shrapnel Removal in the Knee.Case reports in orthopedics · 2025Article
- The ballistic articular structure injury classification (BASIC) system: clarifying ballistic articular injuries.European journal of orthopaedic surgery & traumatology : orthopedie traumatologie · 2024Article
- Arthroscopic Removal of Extra-Articular Foreign Bodies From the Shoulder: Inside-Out Technique.Arthroscopy techniques · 2023Article
- Isolated ballistic femoral condyle fractures: a case series of eighteen patients.European journal of orthopaedic surgery & traumatology : orthopedie traumatologie · 2023Article
- Impalement injuries of the shoulder: a case report with literature review.Acta bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis · 2022Review
- Gunshot Wounds: Ballistics, Pathology, and Treatment Recommendations, with a Focus on Retained Bullets.Orthopedic research and reviews · 2022Review
- Civilian gunshot injuries in orthopaedics: a narrative review of ballistics, current concepts, and the South African experience.European journal of orthopaedic surgery & traumatology : orthopedie traumatologie · 2021Review
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
purposeThe purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature to gain a greater understanding of the role and usage of arthroscopy in removal of retained bullet fragments. Secondarily, we intend to examine the level of evidence and methodologic quality of studies reporting on this topic.
methodsA search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was performed using the search terms ("Arthroscopic" OR "Arthroscopy") AND ("Bullet" OR "Gunshot" OR "Ballistic" OR "Removal"). Inclusion criteria included articles published in English reporting on arthroscopic or arthroscopically-assisted bullet removal. Studies lacking sufficient data to separate arthroscopic and open procedures were excluded. Level of evidence, study information (i.e., country, journal, etc.), and patient data was collected from each eligible article. The methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) score were assigned to each article.
resultsA total of 2676 studies were identified in the initial search with 31 studies meeting criteria for inclusion in the study. Twenty-eight of the 31 studies were case reports. The MINORS score averaged 8.8 ± 1.5 (range 5-10) for included studies. Sixty-two patients were identified, the majority (94%) of whom were male with an average age of 36.2 ± 12.3 years. All 62 patients underwent successful arthroscopic bullet removal. One patient was reported to have a complication (compartment syndrome). Outcome measures were underreported in the majority of studies.
conclusionsOur study found that very little literature exists on the role of arthroscopy in bullet removal. Of this literature, no high-quality studies exist. Based on the limited existing literature, arthroscopy appears to be a safe, reliable alternative to open surgery for bullet removal. Potential benefits of arthroscopic bullet removal exist and warrant further investigation to further define the role of arthroscopy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.
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