DELAYED RECONSTRUCTION OF A GUNSHOT-INDUCED MANDIBULAR DEFECT: A CLINICAL CASE REPORT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11603/2311-9624.2026.3.16626Keywords:
gunshot injury, mandibular defect, mandibular reconstruction, free bone fragment, autogenous bone grafting, delayed period, clinical caseAbstract
Gunshot injuries to the mandible are frequently associated with bone defects, the reconstruction of which remains a challenging clinical task. In cases of delayed osteosynthesis, the use of free bone fragments for defect reconstruction may be considered, provided that their viability is preserved. Objective. To present and analyze the treatment outcomes of a clinical case of mandibular defect reconstruction using a free bone fragment in the delayed period after a gunshot injury and to substantiate the feasibility of this approach. Methods. A clinical case of delayed mandibular defect reconstruction after a gunshot injury using a free autogenous bone fragment was presented and analyzed. Results. The presented clinical case demonstrates the feasibility of using a free bone fragment for delayed mandibular defect reconstruction after a gunshot injury, provided that its viability is preserved and there are no signs of necrosis or osteomyelitis. This approach may avoid donor-site morbidity and warrants further clinical investigation. Conclusions. The use of a free bone fragment for reconstruction of a mandibular defect in the delayed period after a gunshot injury is feasible, provided that the fragment remains viable and shows no signs of necrosis or osteomyelitis. This approach avoids additional donor-site morbidity, ensures anatomical conformity of the graft to the defect, and facilitates restoration of mandibular continuity. Further clinical studies are required to confirm the effectiveness of this treatment approach.
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