Cervicofacial emphysema secondary to facebow injury: a case report.
OBJECTIVE
To report the clinical case of a child with facial and periorbital emphysema caused by an orthodontic device.


METHODS
An 11-year-old child presented to our clinic showing moderate swelling of the left facial area. Based on his dental history, physical findings, and instrument examinations, the diagnosis of cervicofacial emphysema was established, caused by disengagement of the facebow. One week later, all swelling and crepitus had disappeared without complications. Most patients who develop subcutaneous emphysema after a dental procedure have only moderate local swelling, which normally resolves spontaneously and without complications within a week. However the spread of large amounts of air into the deeper spaces may cause life-threatening sequelae.


CONCLUSIONS
Orthodontists should be aware that the use of extraoral traction applied via a facebow can cause soft tissue injures and emphysema of the cervicofacial region. It is important to avoid misdiagnosis and to appropriately inform patient and parents about this condition.
Cicciù
Marco
M
Oral Surgery Department, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. acromarco@yahoo.it
Grossi
Giovanni Battista
GB
Beretta
Mario
M
Farronato
Davide
D
Scalfaro
Concetta
C
Maiorana
Carlo
C
D002648:Child; D005115:Extraoral Traction Appliances / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005151:Facial Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000209:etiology*