title: Gunshot wounds to the mandible and midface: evaluation, treatment, and avoidance of complications.
abstract: As American society becomes progressively violent, an ever-increasing number of gunshot wounds are being seen across the United States. Particularly challenging are injuries that involve the mandible and midface, not only because of problems with reconstructing bone and soft-tissue defects but also because of emergent problems with airway obstruction and neurovascular compromise. We present 40 cases of gunshot wounds to the mouth, mandible, and maxilla treated at Wake Forest University Medical Center during the past 7 years. The focus of this retrospective analysis is on emergency evaluation and treatment, complications encountered, and operative techniques used for reconstruction. Special emphasis is placed on recognizing and avoiding the complications of these injuries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Wake Forest University.
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Cole
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Browne
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Phipps
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000293:injuries; D020212:Carotid Artery Injuries; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005147:Facial Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery; D008338:Mandibular Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009657:North Carolina; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*