Drone-Induced Midfacial Blast Injuries: Early Definitive Reconstruction and 5-Year Outcomes from a Single-Center...

Background: Modern warfare has introduced novel mechanisms of injury, particularly drone-induced blast trauma, resulting in complex craniomaxillofacial injuries. These injuries differ substantially from typical ballistic wounds and require adapted surgical strategies. This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical characteristics, management approaches, and long-term outcomes of midfacial blast injuries. Methods: A retrospective analytical study was conducted on 41 patients with drone-induced midfacial blast injuries treated at a tertiary referral center in Armenia following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War. All patients underwent surgical management after initial stabilization and were followed for 5 years. Clinical outcomes, complications, and reconstructive needs were assessed. Results: All patients presented with comminuted midfacial fractures, which were frequently associated with polytrauma (87.8%). Burns were observed in 82.9% of cases. Surgical management included radical debridement and early definitive osteosynthesis using titanium fixation systems. No cases of postoperative osteomyelitis, bone sequestration, or implant failure were observed during the 5-year follow-up period. Patients with extensive soft tissue defects, particularly nasal and lip amputations, required multiple reconstructive procedures. Long-term follow-up revealed progressive soft tissue thinning over titanium meshes, especially in the zygomatico-orbital region, necessitating secondary interventions such as lipofilling. Conclusions: Drone-induced midfacial blast injuries represent a distinct and severe form of trauma. Early definitive reconstruction following adequate debridement was associated with favorable outcomes. However, soft tissue reconstruction remains challenging and often requires staged procedures. Long-term follow-up is essential to manage delayed complications and optimize aesthetic outcomes.