[Consequences of gunshot injuries of the face (author's transl)]

During a 5 year period 59 patients with gunshot wounds were treated in the Department of Maxillo-facial Surgery at Munich University. Two patients, who developed local problems secondary to latent infection due to missiles retained for 31 and 32 years, are presented. These missiles were surgically removed. Today, compared to the past, the interval between the gunshot injury and the surgical removal of the missile from the mandible because of the use of antibiotics and improved surgery may be considerable.