Face & Jaw Trauma

What are facial fractures?

Facial fractures refer to broken bones in your face. This type of facial trauma (also called maxillofacial trauma) can happen if you’re involved in an accident, such as a car crash or fall. Facial fractures are also common among victims of physical assault and gunshot wounds. Your facial bones are thinner than a lot of other bones in your body, making them prone to injury.

Types of facial fractures

The most common facial fractures include:

• Nasal fractures (broken nose).
• Forehead fractures (broken frontal bone).
• Orbital fractures (eye sockets).
• Zygomatic fractures (cheekbones).
• Tripod facial fracture (involving your eye socket, cheekbone and upper jaw).
• Maxillary or mandibular fracture (broken jaw).
• Mid-face fractures (Le Fort fractures).

What causes facial bone fractures?

The most common cause of facial fractures is physical assault, followed by vehicular accidents and falls. Other causes include:

• Sports-related injuries.
• Workplace accidents.
• Domestic violence.

What are the complications of facial fractures?

Facial bone fractures can distort your appearance and interfere with normal function. For example, a person with a jaw fracture will have difficulty eating. Someone with a nasal fracture may have trouble breathing through their nose.

Facial trauma can also result in infections, internal bleeding and neurological issues. For instance, some facial bone fractures can cause a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.

To reduce your risk of complications, you should see a healthcare provider immediately following facial trauma.

How are facial fractures treated?

Your MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON may prescribe pain relievers as well as corticosteroids to ease swelling. They may also prescribe antibiotics if there’s a high risk of infection.

Facial fracture treatment involves reduction and fixation.

• Reduction: resetting the broken bones and placing them in their correct positions.
• Fixation: keeping the bones in their new positions long enough for healing to take place. This usually requires keeping the affected bones still and preventing movement during recovery. Sometimes this requires surgical plates, screws and wires.

For a complex fracture with multiple broken bones, you’ll need facial reconstructive surgery. Specific treatment depends on the location and extent of your facial injury.

Facial reconstructive surgery

Severe facial trauma may require reconstructive surgery. There are two main goals of facial reconstructive surgery:

1. Restore proper functions (like vision, chewing, swallowing or breathing through your nose).
2. Enhance and optimize your appearance.

It is important to consult an Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon for evaluation and treatment