Der Unfallchirurg
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In the view of efficiency and cost effectiveness the increasing incidence of gunshot wounds in Europe demands a modification of treatment protocols. The general basis are debridement of soft tissue injuries, antibiotics and fracture stabilization. ⋯ Small caliber gunshot wounds can be treated more conservatively. The following review presents an overview on the ballistic and surgical basis for the treatment of gunshot wounds of the musculoskeletal system.