Gas-Producing Infection After Initial Unproblematic Treatment of Zygomatic Bone Fracture：A Case Report

Abstract

　　Postoperative infection after treatment of facial bone fractures is rare despite the use of exogenous material.
　　We report a case of a non-clostridial gas-producing infection after initial treatment of a zygomatic bone fracture. A 19-year-old man presented with a right zygomatic bone fracture after blunt injury to the face during rugby practice. Open reduction and internal fixation using titanium plates were performed and the patient was discharged on the fifth postoperative day after an uncomplicated postoperative course. On the seventh postoperative day, the patient presented to the emergency room with fever and sudden swelling of the right cheek. CT demonstrated gas emphysema under the right buccal region and maxillary sinus, which suggested postoperative infection. Intraoral and ocular conjunctival wounds were opened, drained, and washed, and wound drainage was installed. Postoperatively, meropenem was administered and the patient was discharged on the ninth postoperative day without further complication. Wound cultures revealed a mixed infection of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, and the diagnosis of non-clostridial gas-producing infection was made.
　　Non-clostridial gas-producing infection after primary reconstruction of a facial bone fracture, as we described, is rare, but early recognition and treatment lead to a good outcome.