Attempted feminicide: facial fracture and its psychological aspects. Case report

Abstract

Objective: To report a clinical case of attempted femicide resulting in mandibular fracture. Case report: A 46-year-old female patient, without comorbidities, attended the Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma Surgery Service of the University Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul after physical assault and rape. On physical examination, the patient presented edema on the face accompanied by ecchymosis and abrasions associated with occlusal alteration and pain during mandibular movements. Computed tomography of the face revealed fractures in the left mandibular body and contralateral condylar head. The treatment consisted of reduction and fixation of the mandibular body fracture associated with conservative treatment of the condylar fracture, with physiotherapy and a soft diet. Conclusion: The face is a region of great aesthetic, functional and, therefore, psychosocial importance. Thus, the patient underwent not only treatment of physical damage but also monitoring of the psychological condition aimed at general rehabilitation.