Traumatic subcutaneous emphysema of the face associated with paranasal sinus fractures: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this report was to review and analyze the epidemiologic features of traumatic subcutaneous emphysema (TSE) originating from frontal, nasoethmoidal, and maxillary facial injuries with sinusal involvement in the emergency room setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with a fracture involving the paranasal sinuses were evaluated with regard to TSE occurrence. Data analysis extended to gender, age, etiology, fracture sites, TSE location, sinus involvement, treatment, and complications from April 1999 to December 2003. Evaluation methods included computed tomography scan and clinical evaluation.

RESULTS: A total of 390 patients sustaining 458 paranasal sinus fractures were included. TSE was observed in 29 patients (7.43%) patients (male-female ratio of 3.83:1, with a mean age of 36.71 +/- 15.71 years). The main etiologies were vehicle accidents and assaults. Isolated maxillary sinuses fractures were found in 17 cases (58.62%). Ethmoidal and maxillary fractures were associated with 9 cases (31.03%), and 1 (3.45%) case had maxillary and frontal fractures together. Ethmoidal, maxillary, and frontal fractures were found concomitantly in 2 (6.90%) cases. Periorbital emphysema was the most prevalent site of presentation, and edema (86.21%) and bone deformities (79.31%) were the most frequent findings associated with TSE. Conservative treatment was the prevalent treatment choice (55.17%), and 1 complication because of persistent pain was noted.

CONCLUSION: The results suggest that TSE of the face associated with paranasal sinus fractures maintained the clinical features of its fractures of origin. The ethmoidal sinuses were considered as the most prevalent etiologic site, and the periorbital region was responsible for addressing the higher incidence of SE following paranasal sinus fractures.