Retrospective analysis of low-velocity gunshot wounds to the mandible.
A retrospective study was conducted of 32 patients with mandibular fractures resulting from low-velocity gunshot injuries. Airway management was required in 25% of the patients, and 9% sustained major vessel injury. Patients were divided into two groups, depending on site of mandibular fracture: condyle, ramus, and coronoid (n = 10), and angle, body, and symphysis (n = 22). All patients in the condyle, ramus, coronoid group achieved clinical union without infection. Average postinjury maximal mandibular opening was restricted (28 mm), but the average follow-up period was relatively short (2 months). In the angle, body, symphysis group the infection rate was 27%, and in 18% of patients a continuity defect of the mandible developed. The average length of follow-up in this group was 5.4 months with a mean maximal mandibular opening of 36 mm.
Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Texas, Dallas.
E A
EA
Neupert
S B
SB
Boyd
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000517:prevention & control; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000293:injuries; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000293:injuries*; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014946:Wound Infection; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000601:surgery*