RESUMO
ABSTRACT Objectives: To define the normal ranges of the thicknesses of the skin and subcutaneous tissues via ultrasonography, and determine whether the current syringe needle-lengths used for the subcutaneous injections were appropriate. Methods: The thicknesses of the skin and subcutaneous tissues of 2244 students were measured at the left arm using ultrasonography. The patients were divided into three groups based on their age: 6-8, 9-12 and 13-17 years. Results: The thicknesses of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and skin-subcutaneous tissue were found to be positively correlated with their age, body mass index (BMI) and body surface area. All these were observed to be gender related. There was the possibility to make intramuscular injections for 50%, 25% and 25% of boys within the age groups of 6-8, 9-12 and 13-17 years, respectively. For girls, the risk of intramuscular injection was 25% for all the age groups. Conclusion: The study showed that the skin and skin-subcutaneous tissue thicknesses varied as a function of the patients' age, gender, BMIs and body surface areas.
RESUMO
A strong posteriorly directed force applied to the mandible resulting in fracture, can also displace the mandibular condyle towards the external auditory canal or superiorly against the mandibular fossa, causing its penetration into the middle cranial fossa or even the fracture of the temporal bone. We report the case of a 30-year-old male patient victim of a bicycle accident that developed facial expression muscles paralysis on the left side soon after the trauma. On physical examination he presented left side postauricular ecchymosis, diminished muscular tonus of the left mouth angle and difficulty to close the left eye, he did not present clinical signs of facial fractures. The neurological and CT scan examination revealed fracture of the left temporal bone with total facial expression muscles paralysis. The patient was referred to the neurosurgical team for evaluation and they opted for a conservative treatment. After 3 months the patient showed a marked improvement with almost normal facial expression muscle movements. The trauma dynamics and treatment details are discussed.