The Joint Facial and Invasive Neck Trauma (J-FAINT) Project, Iraq and Afghanistan: 2011-2016

ObjectiveDefine the number and type of facial and penetrating neck injuries sustained in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2011 to 2016. Compare recent injury trends to prior years of modern conflict.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingTertiary care hospital.MethodsThe Joint Theater Trauma Registry (JTTR) was queried for facial and neck injuries from Iraq and Afghanistan from June 2011 to May 2016. Injury patterns, severity, and patient demographics were analyzed and compared to previously published data from combat operations during January 2003 to May 2011.ResultsA total of 5312 discrete facial and neck injuries among 922 service members were identified. There were 3842 soft tissue injuries (72.3%) of the head/neck and 1469 (27.7%) facial fractures. Soft tissue injuries of the face/cheek (31.4%) and neck/larynx/trachea (18.8%) were most common. The most common facial fractures were of the orbit (26.3%) and maxilla/zygoma (25.1%). Injuries per month were highest in 2011 to 2012 ...