Surgical emphysema following an undisplaced fractured zygoma: an unusual radiographic appearance

When can patients blow their nose and fly after treatment for fractures of zygomatic complex: the need for a consensus

PURPOSE

To determine current professional advice to patients about refraining from nose blowing and air travel following treatment of zygomatic fractures.

METHODS

A postal questionnaire was sent to 261 consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS) in the UK. They were asked about advice given to patients regarding length of time to refrain from nose blowing and air travel following treatment of zygomatic fractures.

RESULTS

A total of 184 (71%) replies were received. Advice regarding the length of time to refrain from nose blowing and air travel ranged from no advice to 8 weeks. About 90% of respondents based their advice on common sense and traditional practice.

CONCLUSIONS

Advice given to the patients following the treatment of zygomatic fractures varies widely. Most consultants based their advice on traditional practice and common sense. In the absence of widely accepted guidelines, there is a need for an agreement among clinicians on advice given to the patients.

Orbital subperiosteal abscess and blindness complicating a minimally displaced zygomatic complex fracture

A case of orbital subperiosteal abscess (SPA) complicating a minimally displaced zygomatic complex (ZMC) fracture is reported and the aetiology and management of this potentially life-threatening condition is discussed. The value of CT scanning in staging orbital infection and determining the site of the abscess and involved paranasal sinuses is emphasised. The correct interpretation of a lateral skull radiograph with the patient brow up may have lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Mediastinal emphysema complicating a zygomatic fracture: a case report and review of the literature

A case of a man with an otherwise simple facial fracture which was complicated by mediastinal emphysema is reported. A review of the literature indicating the pathogenesis, clinical and radiographic features and management of this condition is given.

Surgical emphysema following root canal therapy. Report of a case

A case of surgical subcutaneous emphysema of the face subsequent to root canal therapy is reported. The treatment, outcome, clinical significance, and ways of preventing this surgical complication are noted.

Subcutaneous emphysema

Swelling appeared in an eight-year-old girl after amalgam restoration. The swelling, subcutaneous emphysema, due to the presence of air in the connective tissue disappeared over a period of two days; no complications occurred. The clinical importance of subcutaneous emphysema is that the migration of air to the mediastinum can cause death. According to the literature, many dental and oral procedures can cause subcutaneous emphysema. Since it can cause many complications due to infection, prophylactic antibiotic therapy is necessary.