Forensic Impact Assessment of Oculo-Palpebral Injuries in Gabon: A Retrospective Descriptive and Analytical Study in Two Facilities in Libreville
Évaluation de l’Impact Médico-Légal des Traumatismes Oculo-Palpébraux au Gabon : Une Étude Rétrospective Descriptive et Analytique Dans Deux Structures de Libreville
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20110677Keywords:
Oculo-palpebral, trauma, forensic medicine, temporary total, Incapacity, sequelae, assaults, LibrevilleAbstract
RESUME
Introduction. Les traumatismes oculo-palpébraux sont fréquents en pratique médico-légale, mais leurs données épidémiologiques et médico-légales restent limitées au Gabon. Cette étude a évalué l’impact médico-légal des traumatismes oculo-palpébraux à Libreville. Méthodes. Étude rétrospective descriptive et analytique menée du 15 février 2025 au 30 novembre 2026 dans les services de médecine légale et d’ophtalmologie. Nous avons inclus tous les patients victimes de traumatismes oculo-palpébraux en contexte médico-légal avec dossier complet. Les variables analysées étaient les caractéristiques sociodémographiques, les circonstances, les lésions, la durée de l’incapacité temporaire de travail (ITT) et les séquelles. Résultats. Trente-neuf patients ont été inclus (âge moyen 31,2 ± 11,8 ans ; 76,9 % d’hommes). Les agressions représentaient 53,8 % des circonstances. Les plaies palpébrales isolées étaient les lésions les plus fréquentes (48,7 %). L’ITT moyenne était de 13,6 ± 6,9 jours. Des séquelles ont été observées chez 38,5 % des patients, dominées par les séquelles esthétiques (25,6 %). Les agressions (p = 0,04) et la présence de lésions multiples (p = 0,02) étaient significativement associées à une ITT prolongée (> 15 jours). Conclusion. Les traumatismes oculo-palpébraux à Libreville touchent principalement les jeunes hommes agressés et laissent des séquelles esthétiques fréquentes. Une prise en charge spécialisée précoce est nécessaire pour limiter les conséquences fonctionnelles et médico-légales.
ABSTRACT
Introduction. Oculo-palpebral injuries are frequent in forensic practice, but epidemiological and medico-legal data are limited in Gabon. This study assessed the forensic impact of oculo-palpebral trauma in Libreville. Methods. A retrospective descriptive and analytical study was conducted from February 15, 2025 to November 30, 2026 in forensic medicine and ophthalmology departments. We included all victims of oculo-palpebral trauma in a forensic context with complete records. We analyzed sociodemographic characteristics, circumstances, lesions, duration of temporary work disability (TWD), and sequelae. Results. Thirty-nine patients were included (mean age 31.2±11.8 years; 76.9% male). Assaults accounted for 53.8% of circumstances. Isolated eyelid wounds were the most frequent lesions (48.7%). Mean TWD was 13.6±6.9 days. Sequelae were observed in 38.5% of patients, mainly aesthetic (25.6%). Assaults (p=0.04) and multiple lesions (p=0.02) were significantly associated with prolonged TWD (>15 days). Conclusion. Oculo-palpebral trauma in Libreville mainly affects young men who have been assaulted, leaving frequent aesthetic sequelae. Early specialized care is necessary to limit functional and forensic consequences.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Assoumou PA, Mekina S, Matsanga O, Kougou Ntoutoume A, Nyinko Aboughe H, Mouinga Abayi DA, Mba Aki TA, MVE Mengome E
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