💀🔪surgery
A 50-year-old male construction worker was using a circular saw at work when the blade bounced back into his face Power saws can cause devastating injuries. At the very least, the affected tissues are irregular and heavily damaged. The patient complained of pain and lost teeth but denied loss of consciousness, facial numbness, and changes in vision or bite. CT of the head and neck demonstrated no fractures. Chest radiograph demonstrated no aspirated or swallowed teeth. The reconstructive plan should begin with stabilization of the patient, including advanced trauma life support for severe cases. A history and thorough physical exam is next. Severely injured or unstable patients should have the wounds cleaned and packed or loosely closed until a definitive reconstruction can be performed. Patients require tetanus prophylaxis when indicated, and antibiotics should be reserved for contaminated wounds and human or animal bites.
