Citation

Brown Baer PR, Wenke JC, Thomas SJ, Hale CR. Craniomaxillofac. Trauma Reconstr. 2012; 5(4): 243-252.

Affiliation

Department of Craniomaxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Dental and Trauma Research Detachment.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Georg Thieme Verlag)

DOI

10.1055/s-0032-1329542

PMID

24294409

PMCID

PMC3577603

Abstract

This case series describes craniomaxillofacial battle injuries, currently available surgical techniques, and the compromised outcomes of four service members who sustained severe craniomaxillofacial battle injuries in Iraq or Afghanistan. Demographic information, diagnostic evaluation, surgical procedures, and outcomes were collected and detailed with a follow-up of over 2 years. Reconstructive efforts with advanced, multidisciplinary, and multiple revision procedures were indicated; the full scope of conventional surgical options and resources were utilized. Patients experienced surgical complications, including postoperative wound dehiscence, infection, flap failure, inadequate mandibular healing, and failure of fixation. These complications required multiple revisions and salvage interventions. In addition, facial burns complicated reconstructive efforts by delaying treatment, decreasing surgical options, and increasing procedural numbers. All patients, despite multiple surgeries, continue to have functional and aesthetic deficits as a result of their injuries. Currently, no conventional treatments are available to satisfactorily reconstruct the face severely ravaged by explosive devices to an acceptable level, much less to natural form and function.

Language: en