External mandibular fixation for gunshot fractures: report of 2 cases

Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 2023 Jun;29(6):741-745. doi: 10.14744/tjtes.2022.77315.

Abstract

High-energy ballistic injuries may cause comminuted facial fractures. Treatment of such fractures might be challenging because of in-fection and soft- and hard-tissue loss. These cases may not be amenable to open reduction and internal fixation. We present 2 cases of gunshot fractures, for which external fixation was used as a surgical step before definitive treatment. With the use of external fixation, existing infection had been controlled and soft tissues had been restored, which allowed oral rehabilitation with reconstruction plates and autogenous bone grafting, if needed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • External Fixators
  • Face
  • Fracture Fixation
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal
  • Fractures, Comminuted* / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Comminuted* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Mandibular Fractures* / diagnostic imaging
  • Mandibular Fractures* / etiology
  • Mandibular Fractures* / surgery
  • Open Fracture Reduction
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wounds, Gunshot* / surgery