Facial trauma

Definition

Facial trauma is any injury of the face and upper jaw bone (maxilla).

Alternative Names

Maxillofacial injury; Midface trauma; Facial injury; LeFort injuries

Causes

Blunt or penetrating trauma can cause injury to the area of the face that includes the upper jaw (maxilla). Common causes of injury to the face include:

• Automobile accidents
• Penetrating injuries
• Violence

Symptoms

• Changes in sensation and feeling over the face
• Deformed or uneven face or facial bones
• Difficulty breathing through the nose due to swelling and bleeding
• Double vision
• Missing teeth
• Swelling around the eyes that may cause vision problems

Exams and Tests

The doctor will perform a physical exam, which may show:

• Bleeding from the nose, eyes, or mouth, or nasal blockage
• Breaks in the skin (lacerations)
• Bruising around the eyes or widening of the distance between the eyes, which may mean injury to the bones between the eye sockets

• Abnormal sensations on the cheek and irregularities that can be felt
• An upper jaw that moves when the head is still

A CT scan of the head may be done.

Treatment

Patients who cannot function normally or who have significant deformity will need surgery.

The goal of treatment is to:

• Control bleeding
• Create a clear airway
• Fix broken bone segments with titanium plates and screws
• Leave the fewest scars possible
• Rule out other injuries
• Treat the fracture

Treatment should be immediate, as long as the person is stable and there are no neck fractures or life-threatening injuries.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Patients generally do very well with proper treatment. You will probably look different than you did before your injury. You may need to have more surgery 6 - 12 months later.

Possible Complications

General complications include, but are not limited to:

• Bleeding
• Uneven face (asymmetry)
• Infection
• Brain and nervous system (neurologic) complications
• Numbness or weakness

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have a severe injury to your face.

Prevention

Wear seat belts and use protective head gear when appropriate. Avoid violent confrontations with other people.