Facial Gunshot Trauma in Libya during The Last 10 Years

Abstract

The study was aimed to determine outline and presentation in terms of site of injury, airway, associated injuries; and manage
ment of facial gunshot trauma
In which, a total of 612 patients were treated during the last 10 years. Medical documentation of the patient was compiled. Our
study based on our many previous studies from 2010 which focused on the facial gunshot trauma in Libya.
A total of 612 patients with gunshot wounds to the face were identified. Age ranged from 15 to 42 years with mean of 24+3.58
years. There were 694 bullet different calibers (7.62x39 mm, 9 mm, 12.5 mm, and 14.5 mm) & 4 land mine. All patients are
males. 137 patients (22.4%) required airway management. The most frequent site involved was mandible in 441 patients (72%)
while midface was involved in 171 patients (28%). Osteosynthesis were performed in 220 patients (36%), while 392 (64%)
patients were managed conservatively. Out of 612 patients, 108 patients (17.6%) had some complications; trismus, sinusitis and
infection, skin defect, posttraumatic osteomalytis, bone defect.
The most of patients with head and neck injuries required surgical intervention for treatment of their facial gunshot wounds.
Primary treatment of soft and skeletal facial structures at the time of surgical debridement was possible in the majority of our
patients. Early management and operative intervention for repair of the soft and skeletal facial structures leads to satisfactory
results. Severe facial gunshot wounds frequently involve mandible and midface fractures with more likely requirement of es
tablishment of emergency airway and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).