Extraction of an intra-articular bullet fragment from the subtalar joint: the "drill, tap, and extract" method

Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ). 2002 Jan;31(1):48-51.

Abstract

The necessity of extracting intra-articular bullet fragments is well documented in the orthopedic literature. A case of the removal of a retained bullet fragment lodged within the subtalar joint and calcaneus is presented. The bullet fragment was drilled and tapped with small-fragment instruments and was readily removed. This technique is relatively easy to perform and may be used when bullet fragments are imbedded in osseous or intra-articular sites that are distant from the entrance wound.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Calcaneus / injuries
  • Calcaneus / surgery*
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnostic imaging
  • Foreign Bodies / etiology
  • Foreign Bodies / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Radiography
  • Subtalar Joint / injuries
  • Subtalar Joint / surgery*
  • Trauma Severity Indices
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wounds, Gunshot / diagnostic imaging
  • Wounds, Gunshot / surgery*