A rare case of orofacial blast injuries caused by explosion of dry cell batteries in a 12-year-old Nigerian.

BACKGROUND: Severe isolated facial injuries arising from the explosion of dry cell battery in children is extremely rare. The management of the resultant tissue devastation in a scarce resource economy can be quite challenging.

METHOD: We report a case of 12 year old boy who sustained extensive oral and facial blast injuries caused by shattering of a locally assembled fan as result of an explosion of four 1.5 Volts dry cell batteries. He had multiple lacerations and avulsion of facial soft tissues as well avulsion and fractures of the mandible and maxilla. There was associated oronasal communication and avulsion of the anterior teeth in the upper and lowerj aws.

RESULTS: Serial debridement and minimal repair of soft tissue injuries as well as splinting of the mandible was done under local anaeasthesia. Fourteen months after the injuries there was complete healing of mandibular fracture and closure of the oronasal communication. However patient had perioral hypertrophic scar, microstomia and edentulism.

CONCLUSION: Extensive life threatening injuries can be caused by a simple device such as a 1.5v dry cell battery. Early surgical intervention offers the best hope for full recovery.