RT  - Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry
ID  - 10.17796/jcpd.33.4.0110rnkw525455t8
T1  - Cervicofacial Emphysema Secondary to Facebow Injury: A Case Report
A1  - Marco Cicciù
A1  - Giovanni Battista Grossi
A1  - Mario Beretta
A1  - Davide Farronato
A1  - Concetta Scalfaro
A1  - Carlo Maiorana
K1  - cervicofacial emphysema
K1  - extraoral traction
K1  - facebow injuries
YR  - 2009
SP  - 333
AB  - <p><strong>Aim:</strong> To report the clinical case of a child with facial and periorbital emphysema caused by an orthodontic device. <strong>Case report:</strong> 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. <strong>Conclusions:</strong> 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.</p>