RESUMEN
Relata-se o caso de paciente atendido no Pronto-Socorro com fratura exposta cominutiva grave de mandíbula, com perda óssea importante causada por projétil de arma de fogo. Foi submetido àa operação de urgência, sendo necessário o uso de placas de fixação e reconstrução. Apresentou evolução demorada, com período de internação hospitalar de 28 dias. À alta, apresentava deformidade facial e dificuldade na movimentação da mandíbula e articulação de palavras. Devido ao tratamento com cirurgia precoce e ao uso de recursos adequados, o paciente obteve bons resultados estéticos e funcionais no controle ambulatorial.
Mandible fractures are among the most common lesions encountered in the trauma centers. They are usually caused by assault or gunshot and the risk factors include low socioeconomic level, drug abuse and unemployment, being male young adults the most frequent victims. This report is about a patient who was brought to the emergency room with a severe gunshot comminuted mandible fracture. He was submitted to an early surgical repair, in which fixation and reconstruction plates were needed. There was a 28 day in-hospital stay and the patient showed facial deformation and difficulty in word pronunciation at discharge. Due to the aggressive management with early surgical repair and adequate resources the patient presented with good functional and aesthetical results in the follow up.