Brito VM, Marrone L, Moreno N, Morantes J

Language: Spanish
References: 15
Page: 53-56
PDF size: 205.07 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Facial stab injuries in the maxillofacial region are relatively rare, and cases in which the blade of a knife has been retained as a facial foreign body are extremely rare, with few reports in the literature. Their diagnosis is a challenge for emergency personnel. We report the case of a 20-year-old male patient in whom a knife blade was found as a facial foreign body, it had been retained among the facial bones for two weeks after the facial trauma. This case shows the unpredictability of the presence of a foreign body in the face. The blade of the knife held eluded detection in two separate physical exams. A review of the mechanism of injury, a thorough examination of the head and neck, a high index of suspicion and appropriate radiographs of the skull are essential for correct diagnosis of a foreign body in the face.

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