CIVILIAN GUNSHOT OROFACIAL INJURY IN A NIGERIAN TERTIARY HOSPITAL: A 10-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW.

Background: Gunshot related injuries to the face are relatively rare in peacetime. This study reported the pattern of presentation and management of orofacial civilian gunshot injuries at a Nigerian tertiary hospital.

Methodology: Medical records of 25 patients who sustained gunshot injuries to the face and were managed at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile Ife between 2010 and 2019 were reviewed. Patients' demographics, wounding mechanisms, clinical presentations and treatment administered were retrieved from the patients' case record. Patient records with incomplete information were excluded. Data generated were inputed into IBM-SPSS version 26 and analysed.

Results: A total of 2,847 patients were admitted through our department over the study period and 28 of them sustained orofacial gunshot injuries, giving a prevalence of 0.98%. Twenty-five out of the 28 retrieved case files met the inclusion criteria. There were 22 males and 3 females; with a male to female ratio of 7.3:1. The mean age was 37.60 ± 11.86 years with highest prevalence at fourth decade of life. About two-thirds of these injuries were intentionally inflicted by others with the use of Dane guns on highways. Majority (64%) of these injuries involved the middle third of the face. Definitive treatments ranged from simple to complex reconstructive procedures to restore pre-injury form and functions.

Conclusion: Gunshot injury involving the maxillofacial region is uncommon during peace time. The male gender was predominantly affected and the middle third facial skeleton was the most involved anatomic site. Most of the injuries were intentionally inflicted by others using Dane gun.