Abstract

DIAZ FERNANDEZ, José Manuel; JARDON CABALLERO, José; QUINTERO MARTINEZ, Yalissy  and  PENA SISTO, Liliana. Penetrating maxillofacial injuries: Report of 4 cases. Rev Cubana Estomatol [online]. 2006, vol.43, n.3, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1561-297X.

A medical history and a detailed physical examination should be imperative in all the patients with suspicion of penetrating injuries of the maxillofacial region, on the part of the maxillofacial surgeon with an active and frequent participation of ophthalmologists, otorhinolaryngologists and neurosurgeons, even in the case of apparently trivial injuries. The exploration by simple X rays, ultrasounds and, specially, computerized axial tomography of tridimensional reconstruction is the best way to detect ocular and/or orbital injuries, fractures of the craniofacial complex , and to determine the localization, nature and relation of the wounding object to organs and important anatomical structures. 4 patients with this type of injuries produced by three types of objects of different nature and characteristics are presented. Emphasis is made on the therapeutic aspects and the paper is illustrated with simple x rays and CAT images. Some considerations that should be taken into account in this type of injuries are made, stressing those with intracranial extension.

Keywords : Penetrating maxillofacial injuries; therapeutic aspects..