(95) Does Time of Year Influence the Incidence of Patients Presenting to the Hospital With Gunshot Wounds to the Head and Neck Region?

Abstract:

Introduction: In 2022, there were more than 48,000 firearm-related deaths in the United States according to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although gunshot wounds to the head and neck region are rare, when they occur, they pose a surgical challenge due to the complexity of fully restoring anatomical structure and function. The purpose of this study was to investigate critical information relating to gunshot wounds of the head and neck region including clinical presentation, treatment, and long-term prognosis. Our objective was to determine if there was an association between time of year and the incidence of patients presenting to the hospital with gunshot wounds to the head and neck region.
Materials and

Methods: A retrospective review of records will be performed of patients diagnosed with gunshot wounds in Parkland Memorial Hospital between the dates of 2010 through 2023. A data search will be conducted to identify any patient record which contains any of the following ICD-9 and ICD-10 code in Parkland Memorial Hospital.

ICD-9 873.8 (open wound head) 873.40 (open wound of face) 874.8 (open wound of neck)
ICD-10 S01 (open wound scalp) S01.20 (open wound of nose) S02 (open wound of face)
ICD-10 S05 (open wound of orbit) S09 (open wound of head) S11 (open wound neck)
ICD-10 W34.00XA (gunshot wound) X95.9XXA (assault w GSW) X74.9 XXA (suicide by GSW)

From the patient records identified via the ICD-10 data search, a retrospective review will be performed of records (physical chart and/or electronic record) to determine and capture date of initial presentation, age, gender, cause of injury (self-inflicted vs altercation), location of affected area, type of procedure, date of procedure, and prognosis. Microsoft Excel software will be used to create a database of the specified information which will be utilized for further analysis of such information.

Conclusion: Based on the compilation of data, we will determine which month of year is associated with the highest number of patient presentations with gunshot wounds to the head and neck region between the years of 2010 and 2023. Our data will highlight the unique characteristics of gunshot injuries and their potential associations with seasonal or environmental factors. Understanding the patterns of presentation can provide insight to better preparation for management and treatment of gunshot wounds in the head and neck region. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are necessary to enhance patient care and outcomes. Furthermore, increasing public awareness of the risks of gunshot injuries, particularly their impact on mobility and mortality, may contribute to reducing their incidence and improving overall outcomes.

References:
Is Maxillofacial Gunshot Wound Location Associated With Operative Intervention?
Qaisi, Mohammed et al. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Volume 81, Issue 4, 434 - 440

Maxillofacial Gunshot Injuries at an Urban Level I Trauma Center—10-Year Analysis
Norris, Olena et al. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Volume 73, Issue 8, 1532 - 1539