[Subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema related to facial injuries].

Mediastinal emphysema following facial trauma in the absence of neck, chest or abdominal injury is a rare entity. Mediastinal emphysema associated with fractures of the facial bones or odontological surgery has only been reviewed previously in case reports. This article reviews the etiological and pathogenetic mechanisms of subcutaneous facial/cervical emphysema and mediastinal emphysema associated with fractures of the facial bones. Complications and risk factors in treating fractures of the facial bones when mediastinal emphysema is present are discussed with emphasis on anaesthesiological complications.