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Case Reports
. 2021 Aug 25:35:100530.
doi: 10.1016/j.tcr.2021.100530. eCollection 2021 Oct.

Finding the missing bullet: A case report of an unusual trajectory from the left scapula into the left orbit

Allyson M Hynes  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Finding the missing bullet: A case report of an unusual trajectory from the left scapula into the left orbit

Allyson M Hynes. Trauma Case Rep. .

Erratum in

Abstract

Evaluating a traumatically injured patient requires a systematic evaluation that can rapidly detect life threatening injuries. When there is a discrepancy in the number of expected retained bullets, one must re-evaluate the initial work-up. This case consists of an extremely unusual trajectory course of a scapular wound where the ballistic then traversed off the scapula through the neck entering the para-pharyngeal space, travelling through the facial bones, and coming to rest within the left eye, itself. This case herein reinforces the importance for the evaluating provider to quickly recognize when the work-up is inconsistent with the initial assessment. Failure to recognize this discrepancy may lead to an inappropriate work-up with subsequent devastating life-threatening consequences.

Keywords: Gunshot wound; Impacted bullet; Open globe rupture; Ophthalmology trauma; Penetrating trauma; Trajectory.

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Conflict of interest statement

I do not have any personal relationships or financial interest with regards to the authorship and/or publications of this manuscript.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Three wounds and one retained ballistic, bullet trajectory one (narrow arrows) and bullet trajectory two (wide arrows).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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