ABSTRACT
Despite extensive material having been published on the physics, pathophysiology and injury patterns from weapons, relatively few investigations have been conducted on the outcome of the injuries, and very few specific outcome measures have been identified. Most reports document the mortality and short-term morbidity, and particularly amputation rates, but few long-term studies exist. This is often due to difficulties in reviewing patients who are rapidly evacuated, may be prisoners of war, or who are frequently discharged from the armed forces (Spalding et al. 1991).
