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Published in: Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery 4/2021

01-12-2021 | Frontobasal Fracture | Clinical Paper

Orbito-Cranial Gunshot Injuries with Retained Sinonasal Bullets

Authors: Gerrit Viljoen, Sean Tromp, Nicholas Goncalves, Patrick Semple, Darlene Lubbe

Published in: Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery | Issue 4/2021

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Abstract

Introduction

Gunshot injuries to the sino-orbital region are rare. In South Africa, where gunshot injuries are common, sino-orbital gunshot injuries are encountered. Sino-orbital gunshot injuries are associated with trauma to surrounding facial and intracranial structures. Therefore, the management of these injuries may be complex and often requires an interdisciplinary approach.

Aims

To review the management of orbito-cranial gunshot injuries with retained sinonasal bullets.

Patients and methods

Three cases of orbito-cranial gunshot injuries with retained sinonasal bullets were reviewed. Two cases were complicated by cerebrospinal fluid leaks with ensuing meningitis. The retained bullets in all three cases were successfully removed via a transnasal endoscopic approach.

Conclusion

Sino-orbital gunshot injuries are rare, but may be encountered in areas with high frequencies of gun violence. An associated anterior skull base fracture with CSF rhinorrhoea poses a risk for meningitis and a low threshold for diagnosis and treatment of meningitis should be maintained. Retained bullets in the paranasal sinuses do not pose an immediate risk and may be removed on an elective basis.
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Metadata
Title
Orbito-Cranial Gunshot Injuries with Retained Sinonasal Bullets
Authors
Gerrit Viljoen
Sean Tromp
Nicholas Goncalves
Patrick Semple
Darlene Lubbe
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
Springer India
Published in
Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery / Issue 4/2021
Print ISSN: 0972-8279
Electronic ISSN: 0974-942X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12663-020-01365-4

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