Management of gunshot injuries to the maxillofacial region at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The management modalities for gunshot injuries differ slightly from conventional trauma. The purpose of this study was to document the pattern, mechanism and management outcome of gunshot injuries seen in our center. Method: Information regarding patients’ demographics, site and type of injury, tissue involved as well as presence of associated injuries was documented. Patients were categorized into two groups; those that sustained soft and hard tissue Injuries and those with only soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue injuries were classified as laceration, penetrating, perforating or avulsions. The presence of either entry and exit wounds or only entry wound was also examined. The investigations, treatment done and outcome of treatment were also documented. Result: A total of 20 patients presented with gunshot injuries within this period of study out of 132 patients with craniofacial trauma. Of the 20, 15 (75%) were males and females were 5(25%), 9(45%) had both soft and hard tissue injuries, 11(55%) cases had only soft tissue injuries. Age range was 8-55 years with mean (SD) of 29.7 (10.7) years. All injuries were confined either to the midface or the lower face. The bones of the midfacial region (zygomatic bone and, medial wall of the orbit, ethmoidal and nasal bones) were involved in 2(10%) patients and the lower jaw (mandible) was affected in 7(35%).The outcome of treatment was successful in 18(90%) and satisfactory in 17(85%) cases. Conclusion: Secondary repair is more relevant than delayed repair in portions of the face that have less sufficient blood supply that sustain gunshot injuries.

Keywords: Gunshot, Injury, repair, Maxillofacial

Nigerian Journal of Plastic Surgery Vol. 9, No 2, September 2013