Arthroscopic removal of a 44 caliber bullet from the hip

Arthroscopic Bullet Removal From the Central and Peripheral Compartments of the Hip Joint

“…7 However, hip arthroscopy for the extraction of bullets and bullet fragments is a relatively new surgical technique. 1 Compared with open arthrotomy, hip arthroscopy allows for an expedited recovery because of its minimally invasive nature and minimized iatrogenic trauma to a hip that has already sustained the insult of a gunshot wound. [1][2][3][4][5] Our all-arthroscopic surgical technique has been reproducible and efficacious in 4 patients who each had a different bullet trajectory and unique associated pathology.…”

“…1 Compared with open arthrotomy, hip arthroscopy allows for an expedited recovery because of its minimally invasive nature and minimized iatrogenic trauma to a hip that has already sustained the insult of a gunshot wound. [1][2][3][4][5] Our all-arthroscopic surgical technique has been reproducible and efficacious in 4 patients who each had a different bullet trajectory and unique associated pathology. Arthroscopic extraction of bullets in and about the hip joint has several benefits: (1) it is minimally invasive, which decreases additional trauma and tissue disruption; (2) it ensures substantial irrigation of the hip joint, thus reducing the risk of joint sepsis; and (3) it allows for treatment of concurrent pathology.…”

“…1 Seven cases that underwent arthroscopic removal of retained intra-articular missile fragments in the hip have been published since the index article. [1][2][3][4][5] Of these 7 patients, 4 were treated exclusively by arthroscopy whereas the other 3 were treated with a combination of arthroscopic and open procedures.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5] Of these 7 patients, 4 were treated exclusively by arthroscopy whereas the other 3 were treated with a combination of arthroscopic and open procedures. [1][2][3][4][5] We present an arthroscopic-only surgical technique that has been safe and reproducible in 4 patients.…”

Bullet in Hip Joint

“…Compared to arthrotomy, patients return back to daily activities more quickly [1]. When left in the joint, a bullet may cause synovitis, secondary arthritis, systemic lead intoxication and septic arthritis [2][3][4][5][6][7]. In light of the current literature, we discuss a case in which an intraarticular bullet was extracted arthroscopically from a patient's hip joint in our clinic.…”