CASE REPORT   

Otorinolaringologia 2019 December;69(4):209-12

DOI: 10.23736/S0392-6621.19.02222-7

Copyright © 2019 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Chainsaw injuries of the maxillofacial region: our experience

Matteo BRUCOLI ✉, Paolo BOFFANO, Nicola BARAGIOTTA, Andrea PEZZANA, Arnaldo BENECH

Division of Maxillofacial Surgery, Maggiore della Carità University Hospital, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy

The inappropriate use of chainsaws may determine severe facial injuries. The aim of this article was to present and discuss our experience in the management of chainsaw-related maxillofacial injuries. A retrospective analysis of patients that had been victims of chainsaw related facial injuries was performed. Clinical and demographic data were recorded. Four men were included in the study. Accident by self-injuring was the only mechanism of all analyzed injuries. In most patients, soft tissue injuries were compounded with bone fractures of the face. The management included the intravenous administration of antibiotics, soft tissue management and suture, and open reduction and internal fixation in addition to soft tissue management. A thorough knowledge of the mechanisms and of the appropriate steps of management may help to avoid complications. Preventive measures such as education of chainsaw users may be crucial for a safe use of this devices.

KEY WORDS: Facial nerve injuries; Wounds and injuries; Bone fractures