[Gunshot injuries of the face. Clinical observations in 21 cases]

The authors report their experience of facial ballistic trauma based on a series of twenty one homogeneous cases. After a review of the aetiopathogenesis, the characteristics of facial shocks by missiles of fire arms are described, with particular emphasis on specific wounds encountered in the head and neck. Two classifications are suggested: on based on the main clinical features and the other based on the various types of bullets organized according to wound profiles and modern ballistics. This new ballistic classification is related to the clinical features. Although a better approach to ballistics and wound profiles helps to guide the clinical assessment, the medical and surgical treatments are based on same principles and approaches in war surgery and in civilian practice.