Assessment of Oral and Maxillofacial Vietnam War Casualties 10-15 Years Post-Injury

摘要

Eighty-six male veterans of Vietnam combat who experienced oral and maxillofacial injuries volunteered to participate in an assessment of their psycho-social adjustment 10-15 years post-injury. Subjects reported to a nearby federal medical center for a psychiatric interview, administration of the MMPI and Personal Orientation Inventory (POI), and dental/neurological examination. Approximately one-half of all subjects reported significant (T score > 70) or borderline significant (T score = 70) level of clinical symptomatology on the MMPI. Group scores on the POI Time Ratio and Support Ratio scales were in the non-self-actualized range. Interview data indicated that 1 of 4 casualties were unhappy with their appearance, and one-third of these men have sought psychological counseling after discharge from military service. Maxillofacial casualties reportedly represent between 10 and 15% of all war injuries. These casualties incur wounds to the face and contiguous oral structures, i.e. teeth, tongue, jaw, neck, nose, and eyes.