Expanding hematoma with facial nerve palsy: an unusual complication of mandibular fracture

Abstract

The mandible is one of the most commonly fractured facial bones, along with the nasal and zygomatic bones. The most common cause of fracture is trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident, a physical altercation, an industrial accident, a fall, or a contact sport injury. Because of its position and the complex anatomy and environment surrounding it, the mandible is extremely vulnerable and often breaks when a traumatic injury is made to the face. Complications of mandible fractures can range from 7 to 29%, depending on the severity of the injury, the location of the injury, and the number of areas affected. The most frequently encountered complications include infection, hardware failure, osteomyelitis, non-union, mal-union, and wound dehiscence. Here, we report an unusual complication of an expanding hematoma with left sided facial nerve paresis that resulted after 2 months of mandible fracture.