Ballistic projectiles removal in head and neck region

Abstract

ABSTRACT Injuries caused by firearm projectiles in the head and neck region generally imply severe morbidity and mortality, representing an important public health problem. These injuries can be classified as: penetrating, perforating and avulsive, and the latter is the most worrisome, because they are caused by high-velocity projectiles. Low-velocity projectiles commonly cause penetrating injuries, sometimes remaining lodged in tissues, and their removal may or may not be indicated, depending on factors such as location and severity of the lesion. This paper presents the report of three clinical cases that address injuries caused by low-velocity firearm projectiles, in which they had the indication of this artifact removal, addressing the pre, trans and post-surgery procedures. And we point out that full tactical, technical and theoretical domains are required from the Oral-Maxillofacial Surgeons for being successful in the planning and success in the treatment of these lesions.