Abstract
Injury to the craniomaxillofacial (CMF) area has major implications for mortality and morbidity depending on many factors that influence the level of treatment. In warzones, the extent of CMF injuries is amplified mainly due to the damage caused by bomb blasts. This study presents CMF injury as the result of war incidents to highlight the differences in injury type as well as the impact that an austere environment has on treatment. The author has unique insight and experience of treating CMF injuries in Misrata, Libya, where there is ongoing civil conflict. Surgeons in Libyan hospitals require intensive training intervention to effectively manage gunshot injuries, blast injuries and disasters and while these cases represent an austere environment, conclusions can be drawn for recent incidents involving terrorism. This study presents an analysis of injury patterns of patients presenting with CMF trauma during the Misrata battle of the Libyan conflict in 2011.
Highlights
The civil war in Libya has dramatically affected the lives of the general population [1]
This study presents an analysis of injury patterns of patients presenting with CMF trauma during the Misrata battle of the Libyan conflict in 2011
The major cause of CMF injury of this cohort was from blast (75.3%) which was expected with large scale shelling and bombings
Summary
The civil war in Libya has dramatically affected the lives of the general population [1]. As Misrata’s third largest city in Libya, Misrata was severely affected by the conflict with war-related CMF trauma occurring throughout the siege and the multiple campaigns launched by progovernment forces to retake the city. Gunshot and blast injuries in war environments commonly affect the head and neck area and are often life-threatening [5]. Management of these injuries is challenging due to the anatomical complexity, and the functional and aesthetic consequences of poor reconstruction. It is important that healthcare providers managing these injuries in austere and war environments, have the necessary knowledge and skills to achieve the best possible clinical outcomes with the tools available [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
