Traumatic hemifacial avulsion and degloving injury: a case report

Abstract

Gross maxillofacial injuries are challenging to manage because they can be complicated by airway obstruction, injuries to the cervical spine, and cranial structures. Deformities from such injuries have lasting psychological effects which if not addressed can be devastating. We present a 21-year-old male motorcyclist who was involved in a motor traffic collision and sustained avulsion and degloving of the forehead skin, left eyebrow, left upper and lower eyelids, the nose, the left cheek and part of the right cheek, upper and lower lips, and the skin overlying the chin. His airway was compromised; hence rapid sequence intubation was done to secure it. Thereafter single-stage primary reconstruction and repair were done. A multidisciplinary team approach involving different specialties yielded good outcomes for this patient's condition.