Predictors of Infection and Benefit of Antibiotics in Gunshot Wounds to the Face.

Background: Gunshot wounds (GSWs) to the face are at high risk for infection due the extent of tissue injury and often-observed violation of oral and sinus cavities. Given the ambiguous data on antibiotic benefit in GSW to the face, the purpose of this study is to characterize antibiotic usage, infection details, and risk factors associated with higher infection rates in GSW to face.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients presenting with GSW to the face from 2009 to 2017.