ABSTRACT
Gunshot injuries are rather serious but uncommon type of trauma in India. A 45-year-old male was presented with gunshot (pellets) embedded in the maxillofacial area for 22 years. There is no consensus in the literature whether to attempt their removal or leave them in situ. Our patient had no long-term sequela like infection, fistula formation, carcinogenesis or metal poisoning to date except for chill feeling on cold days. Management of this patient presented a dilemma in treatment in view of the effects of foreign bodies in the maxillofacial area.
Subject(s)
Maxillofacial Injuries/therapy , Wounds, Gunshot/therapy , Humans , Male , Middle AgedABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the C-reactive protein (CRP) levels pre-operatively and post-operatively following a surgical intervention of mandibular fracture with osteosynthesis by rigid fixation using AO/ASIF principles and to try and correlate the prognosis of the convalescent period. METHODS: Twenty five patients with trauma were surgically treated. The blood samples are collected pre-operatively, immediate post-operatively, after 24 h and on the seventh post-operative day. RESULTS: The CRP levels were high pre operatively due to body's initial response to trauma. An increase was noticed immediately after the surgery (mean value 1.96 ± 0.56 mg/dl). After 24 h of surgery, CRP levels were raised markedly (mean value of 2.3 ± 0.58 mg/dl). On the seventh day after the surgery CRP levels were significantly decreased to attain normal level (mean value of 1.58 ± 0.52 mg/dl), indicating normal healing at the surgical site. CONCLUSION: In cases of patients with mandibular fracture the CRP concentration increases directly after the trauma and the surgical procedure. Then it undergoes a gradual normalisation which ensures non complicated healing post operatively.
