Retained Bullets

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What is a Retained Bullet?

One of the most common concerns people have after they have been shot is whether or not the bullet is still there. When a bullet, or a large fragment, larger than a ¼ inch, is left inside your body, we call that a “Retained Bullet” or “Retained Bullet Fragment”. It is not uncommon for bullets to be left inside someone’s body if they do not NEED an operation for a life-threatening reason, such as severe bleeding or a broken bone. And, more than 50% of people are sent home from the hospital after being shot without being admitted at all. This means most people will still have a bullet left in their body if the bullet slowed down and stopped moving inside their body.

Common Questions:

  • What can you do about it?
  • What are your options?
  • Will it cause you more harm?
  • What will it mean for your recovery?

Levels of Retained Bullets

When a bullet pierces our skin, the layers of tissue slow it down. Sometimes it is moving fast enough and with enough energy that it will go straight through, but many times the bullet, or a piece of the bullet, will stop. This can happen right under the skin, in the fat layer, in the muscle, in the bone, and in our internal organs. We give each one of those levels a number.

Things to Know:

  • Knowing what level your bullet is can help you plan how to manage it.
  • Bullets, in general, do not go DEEPER. They generally come closer to the surface over time. That can take weeks, months, and years.

What YOU Can DO:

When a bullet is close to the surface and you can feel it, you can ask your doctor about your options for having it removed. You may not be able to ask your doctor this on the same day you are injured. But, you can ask about a plan for your follow up and what your options are before you are discharged.

Bullets That Are Deep:

When bullets are level 3, 4 and 5, they are more difficult to remove. You may be advised that the risk of taking the bullet out is WORSE than what will happen if the bullet stays inside you.

These are the kinds of concerns you face if the bullet is left inside.

  • Infection
  • Muscle Spasm
  • Numbness, Burning, Tingling, and other kinds of nerve related pain
  • Cold Sensitivity
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Lead Toxicity

These concerns are valid and are an important part of what you should discuss with your treatment team.