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Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

  • P-ISSN2234-7550
  • E-ISSN2234-5930
  • SCOPUS, KCI, ESCI

Management of maxillofacial injuries in bear mauling cases: a review of 20 cases

Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons / Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, (P)2234-7550; (E)2234-5930
2016, v.42 no.1, pp.13-19
Indu Bhusan Kar (Sriram Chandra Bhanja Dental College)
Prashant Dilip Chopda (Sriram Chandra Bhanja Dental College)
Niranjan Mishra (Sriram Chandra Bhanja Dental College)
Alok Kumar Sethi (Sriram Chandra Bhanja Dental College)
Bikas Ranjan Mahavoi (Sriram Chandra Bhanja Dental College)

Abstract

Objectives: As the craniofacial and neck regions are prime areas of injury in bear attacks, the careful management of soft and hard tissue injuries and selection of reconstructive options is of the utmost importance. This study will review the incidence and patterns of bear mauling in eastern India reported to our department and the various modalities used for their treatment over a period of 7 years. It also documents the risks of infection in bear mauling cases and the complications that have occurred.Materials and Methods: Twenty cases were treated over the study period. Cases were evaluated for soft and hard tissue injuries including tissue loss and corresponding management in the craniofacial region. Cases were also evaluated for other associated injuries, organ damage and related complica-tions.Results: Various modalities of treatment were used for the management of victims, ranging from simple primary repairs to free tissue transfers. Sim-ple primary repairs were done in 75% of cases, while the management of the injured victims required reconstruction by local, regional or distant flaps in 25%. Free tissue transfers were performed in 15% of cases, and no cases of wound infection were detected in the course of treatment.Conclusion: Knowledge of various reconstructive techniques is essential for managing maxillofacial injuries in bear mauling cases. Modern recon-structive procedures like free tissue transfer are reliable options for reconstruction with minimal co-morbidity and dramatic improvement in treatment outcomes.

keywords
Maxillofacial injuries, Bear, Reconstructive surgical procedures, Free tissue flaps

Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons