What Factors Necessitate Removal of Retained Ballistic Fragments in the Head and Neck?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to estimate the frequency of retained ballistic fragment (RBF) removal and to identify factors associated with an increased risk for RBF removal. To date, there are no studies focused on identifying factors associated with removal of RBFs localized to the maxillofacial region.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using a retrospective cohort study design, the authors enrolled a sample composed of patients with RBFs localized to the maxillofacial region. The predictor variables included bullet size, location, involvement of bone, involvement of sinus, antibiotics, multiple antibiotics, and multiple locations. The primary outcome variable was RBF retrieval. The secondary outcome variables were timing of operative retrieval, fragment site infection, and migration of RBF. Appropriate uni- and bivariate statistics were computed and logistic regression modeling was used.

RESULTS: The sample was composed of 20 patients (mean age, 30 yr; 80% male) and 55% (11 patients) required or desired object removal overall. The number of projectiles ranged from 1 to 19 (total, 48) in the 20 patients. The logistic model identified larger size, final location of bone, final location of soft tissue, and final location of sinus as having a higher probability of removal that was statistically significant (P < .05); however, size was the only variable with a substantial odds ratio (OR; 1.96; P < .05). There was no evidence of migration and a low rate (2.3%) of infection was noted at subsequent follow-up radiography and clinical examination.

CONCLUSION: Size was the only statistically significant predictor variable with a substantial OR (1.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.31-3.40; P < .05). There was a low risk of infection even when considering oral pharyngeal contamination and low risk of migration. Further studies could focus on prudent antibiotic use and larger patient populations.