| Facial Fracture
Complete list of fracture information
The bones of the skull and face collectively make up the most complex area of skeletal
system. This kind of a fracture can involve bones of the upper jaw, lower jaw, cheeks, and
nose or eye sockets. A closed fracture is one in which the skin is not broken. An open or
compound fracture involves laceration of the skin.
Symptoms of facial fractures
pain
- excessive salivation
- difficulty swallowing.
- swelling
- malocclusion (improper meshing of the upper and lower jaw and teeth)
- skin discoloration
- visible jaw deformity
- nosebleed
- difficulty breathing
- lacerations either inside or outside of the nose
- visible displacement of the nose
- crackling noise when the ends of a broken bone are rubbed together
Causes of facial fractures
Many situations can cause facial fractures. Motor vehicle crashes, sporting injuries,
falls, and assault account for the majority, although injuries from gunshot wounds and
stabbings occur as well.
Always be concerned about other injuries with facial fractures. In particular, other
parts of the body may be injured, for example, if you have facial injuries in a motor
vehicle accident.
Treatment of facial fractures
The
usual treatment for facial fractures involves two steps, reduction or "setting of the
bone" and fixation. Reduction involves restoring broken pieces to their proper
position. In many cases of facial fracture, reduction can be accomplished several days
after the injury, once the swelling has subsided
The second step is fixation; the process of holding the broken pieces
together until they have rejoined and the fracture has healed. Most often, this means
immobilizing the broken parts.
Many jaw fractures during childhood require only a soft diet. Sometimes jaw fractures
require intermaxillary fixation, (IMF): temporary locking of the upper and lower jaws
together by wire or rubber bands. The wire or rubber bands are connected to arch bars
(metal bars with hooks that are wired to upper and lower teeth). Metal orthodontic bands
with brackets ("braces") are also glued onto the teeth. While the jaws are wired
shut, only liquid nourishment is possible. The length of time the IMF is in place varies
with the extent and severity of the fracture the usual length of time is 3 to 6 weeks.
Nasal fractures fixation is usually accomplished by external splinting and occasionally
by packing the inside of the nose with soft material. A blowout fracture may require
careful exploration and restoration of the orbital floor
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