2Department of Extremity Trauma and Regenerative Medicine, US

Recent studies examined battle injury patterns and resource impacts of injuries for Operation Iraqi FreedomandOperation Enduring Freedom and have highlighted the significance of head and neck injuries. Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) battle injuries are characterized by penetrating soft tissue wounds and fractures (58 % and 27%, respectively).1 The frequency of head and neck injuries accounts for 29 % of all battle injuries in the conflicts, which is an increase from previous wars.2 Looking at the same cohort, Masini et al found head and neck injuries required 20 % of all treatment resources, had the highest mean disability rating (52%), and will command 27% of all total projected benefit costs.3 The majority of service members burned on the battlefield (77%) sustained burns to the head, primarily to the face.4 The purpose of this case series is to highlight the severity of CMF battle injuries, detail the full application of conventional surgical procedures, and describe the compromised out-comes of four battle-injured service members. This informa-tion will identify potential opportunities for improving care through research