Article
Severe ablative face injury
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Published: | June 18, 2008 |
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Outline
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Purpose: Eye injuries are a common complication of motor vehicle accidents. The frequency of such injuries has been greatly reduced since wearing of seatbelts is compulsory. A case is reported of severe head injury in a 28-year-old woman after a car accident.
Methods: At the first presentation in our hospital the patient showed severe head injuries involving the right eye with extensive periorbital laceration and the left eye with horizontal upper lid and canalicular laceration which occurred in spite of wearing seatbelts. A detailed description of surgical treatment, complications and follow-up of the complex injury is presented.
Results: No necrosis resulted despite of the extensive periorbital soft tissue laceration. Because of avulsion of the right Levator muscle and peripherial facial nerve palsy a permanent ptosis showed and an enophthalmos due to expanded midfacial fracture. Detailed examination of the fundus revealed a choroid break within the macular region which resulted in a reduced vision of 20/200. After careful and exact reconstruction of facial injuries the patient showed at last follow up after 1.5 years a good primary wound healing and good aesthetic result.