Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42890395›Full record

ArticlePlastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open2026

Microvascular Reconstruction in Ballistic Injuries of the Maxillofacial Region.

Michael Maurer, Katja Himmelstoss, Nura Ahmad, Mathias Fiedler, Johannes G Schuderer, Johannes K Meier, Torsten E Reichert, Tobias Ettl

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Michael MaurerFrom the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany.
Katja HimmelstossFrom the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany.
Nura AhmadDepartment of Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany.
Mathias FiedlerFrom the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany.
Johannes G SchudererFrom the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany.
Johannes K MeierFrom the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany.
Torsten E ReichertFrom the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany.
Tobias EttlFrom the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: Ballistic injuries to the maxillofacial region pose a major reconstructive challenge due to complex anatomy and the need to restore both aesthetic appearance and essential functions such as speech and swallowing. This study evaluates microvascular reconstruction strategies and associated complications in these injuries. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was performed, including patients treated at a level I trauma center during a 10-year period. Inclusion criteria were (1) ballistic injury to the lower face or midface, (2) tissue loss requiring microvascular reconstruction, and (3) complete clinical and radiological documentation. Data collected included demographics, injury characteristics, reconstructive techniques, complications, and microbiological findings. Results: Nine patients underwent microvascular reconstruction between 2015 and 2025, with a total of 15 free flap procedures performed, including 10 fibula free flaps. One flap loss occurred due to infection 3 months postoperatively. Reconstruction was delayed in 7 cases. War-related injuries and delayed reconstruction were significantly associated with preoperative wound infection and detection of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative (MDRGN) organisms ( Conclusions: Microvascular free flap reconstruction remains the gold standard for complex maxillofacial ballistic injuries, even under adverse conditions. War-related trauma and delayed reconstruction are strongly associated with infectious complications, particularly involving MDRGN, and should be carefully considered in perioperative management.

Identifiers

PMID42890395
PMCPMC13671622

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.