ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Missile
injury is a global
public health problem, which occurs in both
military and civilian settings. Boko Haram insurgency in North-Eastern
Nigeria is one of the major
violence the country experienced that resulted in many civilian casualties. This study was aimed at exploring the various patterns of the missile
injuries to the maxillofacial region during Boko Haram insurgency.
Methods:
In this retrospective
cross-sectional study, relevant information was retrieved from
patient records including sociodemographic, causes of missile
injuries, site of
injuries, pattern of presentation,
treatment, and the
complications, and analysed using SPSS version 23.
Result:
A total of 526
patients with various
maxillofacial injuries were seen during this 12-year study period, with age ranging from 4 to 65 years, the peak
incidence in the
age group 31-40 years, 89.5% were
males, 92.9% of the
injuries were allegedly inflicted by insurgents and comprised of 61.0% gunshot
injuries, 24.5%
bomb blast, and machete cuts 7.4%. Most of the
injuries occurred in the lower third of the
face, 39.8%, and
mandible was the commonest fractured
facial bone.
Conclusion:
Facial injuries commonly are associated with devastating consequences to
survivors and, hence, may require long
time monitoring and psychosocial rehabilitations.
