Plastic bullet injuries of the face and jaws

The plastic bullet or plastic baton round was introduced as an anti-riot weapon in 1976. It has evolved from the rubber bullet and wooden baton round. During the recent unrest in South Africa the plastic bullet was used in riot control. Five cases of facial injury are reported. One involved the middle third of the face and 4 the lower third. In all cases skin lacerations compounded facial fractures. Mandibular fractures ranged from a single displaced body fracture to severe comminuted fractures. The middle-third injury was sufficiently severe to result in blindness of one eye.