Penetrating trauma of the face and facial skeleton – a case series of six patients

Abstract

Penetrating traumas of the facial skeleton are relatively rare; however, they can be dangerous and even life-threatening. The epidemiology of facial skeleton trauma is diverse and depends on the affected region, age, and the kind of foreign body that caused the injury. In Poland, the most common cause of penetrating traumas are accidents and assaults, and only rarely accidents are related to improper use of firecrackers or fireworks. The aim of this study is to present a literature review and our own experience with penetrating traumas of the face and the facial part of the cranium. Six cases with severe wounds and fractures of the facial skeleton were treated between the years 2000 and 2012 in our department. The applied treatment methods depended mainly on the general condition of the patients. In all cases, we achieved acceptable functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Do maxillary dentures protect the skull base from penetration injury?

“…Neskoromna-Jędrzejczak et al stated that the consequences of penetrating trauma depend on the anatomical structures affected, the scope of penetration, the impact and direction of the offending foreign body, and the resistance of tissues affected by the trauma. 3 They also mentioned that damage was more severe in cases with high FISS scores. In this case, the FISS was low because there was no damage to the upper face.…”

“…In daily life, foreign body penetration from the oral cavity into surrounding tissues is uncommonly observed. Transoral penetration injuries may compromise vital structures such as large vessels, airways, and crucial neurological structures, risking severe consequences for the patient 1–4 . In cases of pharyngeal trauma, subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, infections such as retropharyngeal abscesses or mediastinitis, and vascular damage have been reported 5–7 .…”

Синдром Яїл: проникаюче ножове поранення лицевого скелета: ілюстрований опис клінічного випадку і огляд літератури “Massaad J, Olszewski R. Jael’s syndrome: knife blade impacted in the facial skeleton: an illustrated case report and a review of literature

“…Серед наявної наукової літератури важко знайти деталізовані епідеміологічні дослідження проникаючої ножової травми лицевого скелета. Я к правило, зустрічаються лише поодинокі описи клінічних випадків [5], особливо з застряганням ножа в структурах черепа пацієнта [6][7][8][9]. Це означає, що більшість профільних відділень володіє дуже обмеженим досвідом лікування такого виду травм.…”

Removal of Foreign Body in the Rafe Pterigomandibular: Case Report

“…Maxillofacial traumas are of heterogeneous etiology, and their clinical characteristics are directly related to the mechanism of the trauma, the kinetic energy involved, and the anatomical structures affected 1 .…”

“…Therefore, the greater the mass and speed of the aggressor foreign body, the greater the extent of the injury, as well as determine the complexity of the trauma, and may lead to airway obstruction, vascular injuries, intracranial injury, or any adjacent vital structure. Therefore, the severity of the trauma will determine the appropriate therapy, and the role of the professional involved will determine the best conduct and approach for the victim involved, with the oral and maxillofacial surgeon being a fundamental part of this process 1,4 .…”