Comparing treatment, costs, and patient outcomes of close-range vs long-range GSWs to the upper extremity.
Erin Weber
Primary Investigator
Brief description of study
Detailed description of study
- Participants will attend all regularly scheduled post-surgical and follow-up appointments, as deemed necessary by their treating surgeon and his or her assessment of their injury. This includes a standard follow-up appointment 2 weeks after surgery. Standard care might include an x-ray, but we will not perform one specifically for this study.
- This study will be conducted from January 1, 2018-January 1, 2025. Patients will be followed-up post-operatively at 2wks, 6months, and 1yr.
If your injury/surgery occurred within the last year:
1. At 2 week, 6 month, and 12 month visits (if these timepoints have not already passed) your hand surgeon will perform a standard 10-15 min examination of your hand, wrist, and arm to evaluate your movement, sensation, and grip strength. To measure movement, you will be asked to do things like bend your wrist and make a fist. To measure sensation, you will be asked if you can feel two tips of an unfolded paper clip placed different distances apart on your finger. To measure grip strength, you will be asked to squeeze a handle which measures the force of your grip.
2. You will also be given a 10-15 minute questionnaire at each visit which contains questions about your injury and your ability to do your job, perform daily household tasks, take care of yourself, and participate in hobbies or sports.
3. In addition, we will access your medical records regarding your injury.
1. We will collect data from your medical records regarding your 2 week, 6 month, and 1 year post-injury visits. This data will include information regarding a hand assessment, surgery history, and demographics.
2. We would like to obtain one final 10-15min examination of your hand for measurements of movement, sensation, and grip strength. While we prefer in-person visits to be able to assess and measure all movements and function or your hand and arm, a telehealth option is available if you are unable to attend visits. Telehealth visits will involve completion of the questionnaire and only a visual assessment of your hand/arm function.
3. You will also be given a single 10-15 minute questionnaire which contains questions about your injury and your ability to do your job, perform daily household tasks, take care of yourself, and participate in hobbies or sports.
Eligibility of study
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
- Conditions: Gunshot wound to upper extremity
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Age: 18 years - 100 years
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Gender: All
Inclusion Criteria
- English or Spanish speaking adults who are able to consent with a history of a gunshot wound to the upper extremity
- Treated at Methodist or Eskenazi
Exclusion Criteria
- Those with loss of function or deformity to the upper extremity prior to GSW
- Currently pregnant
- Unwilling or unable to participate in follow-up will be excluded
