Subcutaneous emphysema of the face, neck and upper mediastinum following a minor maxillofacial trauma

Abstract

Subcutaneous emphysema is the inadvertent introduction of air into tissues under the skin covering the chest wall or neck. The common causes of subcutaneous emphysema are rib fracture, parenchymal lung wound and esophageal trauma. Rarely, it occurs after oral and nasal surgery or maxillofacial trauma. We observed subcutaneous emphysema spread out from periorbital region to upper mediastinum in a patient presented to emergency department following minor maxillofacial trauma and admitted due to a simple fracture at his frontal maxillary wall. We present this present case to emphasize early initial management and close observation of minor facial traumas which can prevent further unexpected complications.