Early Reconstruction of Gunshot Mandible Fracture: A Modified Approach

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Biomaterials in Surgery

Background:

• Managing gunshot fractures, especially comminuted mandibular fractures, presents significant surgical challenges.
• Titanium bridging plates are a common reconstructive tool for mandibular fractures with bone loss.
• This article focuses on a specific case of firearm-related mandibular injury.

Observation:

• A 21-year-old male patient sustained a comminuted mandibular body fracture due to a gunshot wound.
• The bridging plate technique was employed for surgical reconstruction.
• The patient underwent an eight-month postoperative follow-up.

Findings:

• The bridging plate technique resulted in stable occlusion and satisfactory mouth opening.
• No aesthetic or functional complaints were reported by the patient post-surgery.
• Clinical examination revealed no signs of infection at eight months.

Implications:

• The titanium bridging plate technique is effective for treating complex, comminuted mandibular fractures, including those from gunshot injuries.
• This approach can yield excellent functional and aesthetic outcomes in reconstructive surgery.
• The study supports the use of bridging plates for severe mandibular trauma, offering a viable surgical solution.