Cervicofacial, Retropharyngeal and Mediastinal Emphysema: A Complication of Orbital Fracture

Abstract

Retropharyngeal and mediastinal emphysema is associated with traumatic aerodigestive tract injury, and may be associated with potentially severe and even life-threatening complications. Retropharyngeal emphysema or pneumomediastinum, in the absence of severe trauma to the visceral organs, is rare following facial fractures. We report a case of extensive subcutaneous emphysema extending to the retropharyngeal space and mediastinum following an orbitozygomatic fracture.

Keywords

• emphysema
• facial fracture
• mediastinum
• retropharyngeal