Treatment of gunshot-related mandibular fracture with splint-guided reduction: Case report

Abstract

Background/Aim: Gunshot injury-related mandibular fractures often have a complex pattern, characterized by comminution, bone loss, and soft-tissue avulsion. The management is difficult and varies between individual cases. Case Report: A 41-year-old male patient presented with marked swelling and ecchymosis in the left mandibular region. Intraorally, he had a deviated open bite on the left side. A unilateral comminuted mandibular fracture was diagnosed by panoramic radiograph and computed tomography. An acrylic dental splint-guided open reduction and internal fixation, including intermaxillary fixation through brackets and intermaxillary elastics, was planned. No complications were observed throughout the healing period, and healing at the fracture site was satisfactory. The occlusion returned to the pre-injury position and was stable. Conclusions: This case report shows that successful functional and esthetic results can be achieved with a strict patient-specific treatment protocol for a comminuted mandibular fracture due to gunshot injury.