Traumatic soft tissue injury in the parotid bed region: a case report and review of anatomy in the area

Abstract

Background: Facial soft tissue injuries are frequently encountered in trauma patients with or without fractures of the facial bones. Traumatic facial soft tissue injuries may have profound social impact due to their effects on aesthetics, as well as on functions of the face. Important structures such as branches of the facial nerve and parotid duct are relatively unprotected by hard tissue and are prone to injury with trauma to the parotid bed region resulting in functional impairments. In these cases, primary repair of severed soft tissue structures provides the best outcome in terms of functional recovery. Objectives: Clinical presentation and operative management of a patient with laceration to the parotid bed region involving all branches of facial nerve and the parotid duct will be presented. A review of anatomy in this region especially anatomical landmarks leading to the identification of the parotid duct, and the facial nerve branches will be discussed. Conclusion: A detailed knowledge of anatomy in the parotid bed region is imperative when performing primary reanastomosis of lacerated soft tissue structures in this area. This knowledge is not only useful in managing injuries due to trauma, but also applicable in the management of other maxillofacial lesions in the parotid bed region.