Early Reconstruction of Gunshot Mandible Fracture: A Modified Approach

The management of victims of gunshot fractures is a challenge for surgeons, mainly due to the complexity of the injury itself and degree of bone comminution. The titanium functionally dynamic bridging plate has often been used in reconstructive surgery after mandibular fractures. The classic indication for bridge plate use is comminuted fractures with or without associated substance losses. The aim of this article is report the case of gunshot victim and to discuss the bridge plate technique utilized for treatment. A 21 years-old, melanoderma, male patient was victim of a firearm-related assault, with comminutive fracture of the mandibular body. The protocol for the bridging plate technique was performed. The patient is in postoperative follow-up of eight months, not present aesthetic or functional complaints, stable occlusion, satisfactory mouth opening and no clinical signs of infection.