Surgical treatment of gunshot injuries to the mandible

Abstract

Objectives Our goal was to review and identify risk factors for complications from treatment of mandible fractures due to gunshot wounds. Study design and setting We conducted a retrospective review of treatment outcomes in 90 patients with gunshot wounds to the mandible treated over a 10-year period at 2 tertiary care centers. Results Our series of 90 patients with mandibular injuries due to gunshot wounds included 68 patients who underwent surgical procedures on the mandible. There were 14 complications in this group. Complications were more common in patients whose mandibles were rigidly fixated; however, these patients’ injuries were more severe. Complications were significantly increased in patients who lost a segment of mandible in the injury. Conclusions Complications were related to severity of injury and independent of treatment modality. Significance The complication rate for patients with gunshot injuries can be very high, particularly if bone is missing. Stabilization of remaining mandibular segments with potentially multiple subsequent reconstructive procedures is often required to restore mandibular continuity in these patients.