A review of the secondary complications of gunshot wounds of the limbs at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center

Date of Completion

1993

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy

Keywords

Military Personnel, Wounds, Gunshot, Limbs

Abstract

The researchers used descriptive design using the survey technique. A self-made questionnaire distributed to 44 respondents at the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Medical Center chosen simple quota sampling. The data tallied, tabulated, analyzed and interpreted using frequency percentage and mean. The most frequent cases handled by the Physical Therapy Unit of the AFPMC were gunshot wounds (GSW). It noted that even patients with gunshot wounds of the limbs required prolonged confinement and/or rehabilitation. This prompted the authors to identify the most common secondary problems among these patients. Data obtained through a review of PT charts. The results of the study showed the following, (1) 110 cases of GSW seen at the PT unit of the AFPMC from June 1, 1991, to June 30, 1992, 44 (40%) the GSW of the limbs. (2) All patients enlisted military men, with the majority in the 20-29 age range. GSW of the lower extremities seen in most patients. (3) the most common secondary complication was contracture, followed by atrophy and swelling. (4) Majority of GSW patients developing secondary complications referred to the PT Unit for treatment sessions after 1 week to 2 1/2 months of confinement. The bulk referrals noted during June, July, August, and September. (5) Therapeutic exercises were the most commonly used treatment modality. (6) Most patients underwent less than 10 treatment sessions. The minimum duration of 1-4 weeks of PT treatment also noted.

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