Chain saw injuries to the face.

Chain saws may produce devastating facial injuries when the blade kicks back after striking a hard object. A review of experience with 12 male patients indicates that in addition to extensive ragged lacerations of skin and soft tissues, bone and teeth are frequently fractured. Eye injuries are rare, but the eyelids may be extensively damaged. Management includes debridement and exploration of the wounds, repair of soft tissues, removal of fractured roots, and application of arch bars if the jaw is fractured.