Craniofacial Trauma on the Modern Battlefield: Initial Management and Techniques

Purpose of Review This review focuses on the literature from the recent conflicts in Iraq/Syria and Afghanistan as well as techniques for addressing combat related craniofacial trauma. This review also includes practical lessons, techniques, tips, and “pearls” from several military experts with operational deployment experience. Recent Findings Craniofacial trauma is increasing in incidence in modern conflicts due to improved body armor and the use of IEDs. The most common injuries are soft tissue defects, midface fractures, and mandible fractures. Recent data from Operation Inherent Resolve shows that these injuries are increasing in their complexity with many patients having injury to multiple sites on the head and neck. Many of these injuries can be safely and effectively addressed in theater through debridement, immediate reduction and repair of the fractures, and closure of the soft tissue. Summary Craniofacial injuries are an increasing proportion of the surgical care provided by deployed surgeons and all military surgeons should be familiar with their basic management.