A rare case of life-threatening penetrating oropharyngeal trauma caused by toothbrush in a child

Abstract

We present a case of 10year-old boy with oropharyngeal injury caused by a toothbrush which penetrated the parapharyngeal space. Initial examination revealed broken end of the toothbrush in oral cavity with the head of the toothbrush having bristles, beyond the soft palate. Tongue and palate were lacerated and there were blood and oral secretions in the oral cavity. Patient was having bradycardia. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed the toothbrush head near the carotid artery, the carotid being laterally displaced. The foreign body was surgically removed without any intraoperative or postoperative complications.

Keywords

• Foreign body
• pediatric trauma
• pharyngeal perforation