Facial trauma
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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.
Reviewed By: Alan Lipkin, MD, Otolargyngologist, private practice, Denver, CO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
