War-related maxillofacial injuries in Ukraine: a retrospective multicenter study

Oleksandr Prysiazhniuk ¹, Roman Palyvoda ², Yurii Chepurnyi ²

⁰The Clinic of Maxillo-Facial Surgery and Dentistry, National Military Medical Clinical Center "Main Military Clinical Hospital", Kyiv, Ukraine.

Archives of Craniofacial Surgery +

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May 7, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

High-energy blast trauma from modern warfare caused prevalent maxillofacial injuries in Ukrainian soldiers and civilians. Most patients experienced soft tissue damage, with rapid primary surgical intervention improving outcomes.

Area Of Science

Trauma Surgery
Military Medicine
Facial Reconstruction

Background

The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine created a critical need to understand war-related injuries.
Modern warfare presents unique challenges for medical support and treatment strategies.

Purpose Of The Study

To analyze the prevalence and characteristics of war-related maxillofacial injuries.
To evaluate injury patterns and treatment effectiveness in a contemporary conflict setting.

Main Methods

Retrospective multicenter study of 415 patients (military and civilian) with ballistic injuries.
Data collected from Kyiv-based maxillofacial departments (Feb 2022-Feb 2024).
Analysis included demographics, injury etiology, complications, and severity scores (NISS, FISS).

Main Results

96.9% of patients were male; 18% had isolated maxillofacial injuries.
Ophthalmic injuries were common (50.1%); 86.3% underwent primary wound debridement/closure.
Over half received initial maxillofacial care within 24 hours.

Conclusions

High-energy blast trauma (artillery, mines, drones, rockets, bombings) was the primary cause.
Soft tissue damage predominated (97.1% of cases).
Timely surgical intervention is crucial for managing maxillofacial war injuries.

Keywords:

Gunshot wounds Health care surveys Maxillofacial injuries Military personnel War exposure