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What Is The Prognosis Of A Point Blank Gunshot Into The Hand?

Posted on Mon, 12 Jan 2015

Question: Hi there. I'm currently writing a novel, in which a character is shot point blank in the hand (and consequently has to go to hospital). I'm wondering roughly how long it would take to get his hand stitched up at the hospital? And what would his prognosis likely be? ie, would he likely be able to use the hand again? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It may take 6-8 weeks time to heal

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
The Gunshot injury can damage the bone, tendons, nerve and vessel therefore even if with the best of surgery (repair work) the hand will never be the same again.It may involve number of surgery and usually takes 6-8 weeks time for the wound to cover up and to have some limited function.
Hope this answers your query.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (1 hour later)

Hi. In my book the character that gets shot in the hand needs to get back on the road ASAP, extremely urgently (he does not have time to wait around long in the hospital). So when I asked roughly how long it would take for his hand to get stitched up at the hospital, I meant roughly how long would it take for the doctors just to clean the wound and bandage it so he could get back on the road? Hope that makes sense. Cheers.

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (55 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Minimum 30 minute's are required

Detailed Answer:
Hello
It's good to see you
O.k. I got your point,it usually takes a minimum of 30minute to do the stitch work and cleaning.
Hope this suffices .
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (2 hours later)

Perfect, thanks. I guess that leaves me with one last question for now - would he just be fitted with a normal bandage? Or anything in particular? Thanks, and have a good Christmas

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Normal bandage with splinting of hand

Detailed Answer:
Hello
It's good to see you and merry Christmas
He will be given normal cotton bandage with splint made of plaster of Paris will do.
Hope this helps and for any future queries you may reach me by logging at http://bit.ly/drmchugh
Wishing you all the success
Regards

Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar