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Conditions

Oral and maxillofacial surgery · Face, mouth and jaws

Facial fractures

Recognise fractures of the jaw, midface, orbit or cheekbone and their emergency signs.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

A facial fracture is a break in a facial bone, including the nose, orbit, cheekbone, upper or lower jaw, sometimes with dental and soft-tissue injury.

Possible symptoms

Pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, bleeding, numbness, double vision, limited mouth opening or a new change in the bite can occur.

Causes and associated factors

Road collisions, falls, sport, assault and workplace accidents are common; the same force may injure the eye, brain or neck.

Diagnosis

Assessment starts with airway, vision and neurological status, then examines symmetry, bite, nerves, teeth and wounds.

Tests

CT is often the main scan; X-rays, eye examination and dental assessment are added according to the area and symptoms.

Course of the condition

Some stable fractures heal without surgery; displacement, instability, visual or bite disturbance may leave lasting problems without realignment.

Care options

Observation, modified diet, mouth care and pain relief, or reduction and fixation with plates and screws are selected by site, displacement and function.

When to consult

Any injury with deformity, double vision, numbness, a mobile tooth or changed bite deserves prompt assessment.

Urgent help

Breathing difficulty, loss of vision, a painful or trapped eye, uncontrolled bleeding, clear nasal fluid, confusion, repeated vomiting or drowsiness requires emergency care.

Questions for your doctor

  • What exact diagnosis and extent have been established?
  • Which functions—breathing, vision, chewing, speech or swallowing—are affected?
  • Which non-surgical and surgical options should we compare?
  • Which nerve, dental, functional and appearance risks should I consider?
  • What multidisciplinary follow-up will be needed?

Continue reading

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.

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