What are facial fractures?

Facial fractures are injuries that cause breaks or cracks in the bones of the face and affect important functions such as breathing, chewing, and speaking. Our face is made up of many bones that work together to allow us to express ourselves and communicate. An injury to these bones requires immediate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to fully restore both the function and appearance of the face.

What are facial fractures?

The most common types of facial fractures include:

• Mandibular Fractures
  The lower jaw may break due to a blow, fall, or car accident. These fractures cause pain, difficulty opening the mouth, and changes in the alignment of the teeth.

• Maxillary Fractures
  The upper jaw supports the middle part of the face and the lower parts of the eyes. Fractures in the upper jaw may affect breathing, chewing, and vision.

• Zygomatic Bone Fractures
  The zygomatic bone forms the "cheekbone" of the face. When this bone breaks, there is noticeable sagging or asymmetry of the face, pain around the eye, and problems with jaw movement.

• Nasal Fractures
  Nasal fractures are among the most common and cause bleeding, swelling, and sometimes difficulty breathing.

• Orbital Fractures
  Injury to the bone surrounding the eye can cause diplopia (double vision), swelling, and misalignment of the eye.

Causes of Facial Fractures

Facial fractures are primarily caused by car accidents, sports injuries, falls, or physical assaults. Any significant impact to the face can lead to a fracture, especially if there is a predisposition due to bone sensitivity, such as in individuals with osteoporosis.

Symptoms of Facial Fractures

The symptoms of a facial fracture vary depending on the type and severity of the injury, but they usually include:

• Pain and tenderness at the site of the injury

• Swelling and bruising around the face and eyes

• Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing

• Bleeding from the nose or mouth

• Change in facial symmetry or deformity

• Numbness in areas of the face

• Diplopia (double vision), if the orbital bone is fractured

How are Facial Fractures Diagnosed?

The diagnosis is made through a clinical examination by a specialized oral and maxillofacial surgeon, who will observe the characteristic symptoms and conduct imaging tests. Usually, the doctor will recommend X-rays or a CT scan to determine the exact location and severity of the fracture. Imaging tests are essential for accurate assessment and selecting the most appropriate treatment.

Management of Facial Fractures

The treatment depends on the type and extent of the fracture. In mild fractures, the treatment may include rest, cold compresses, and avoiding pressure on the injured area. In more severe cases, surgery is necessary to restore the proper position of the bones, using titanium plates and screws.

Recovery may take from a few weeks to months, depending on the severity of the fracture and the patient's age.

Complications of Facial Fractures

If a facial fracture is not properly treated, serious complications may arise, such as:

• Persistent pain or deformity
• Dysfunction in the alignment of the teeth
• Loss of sensation or numbness in areas of the face
• Diplopia (double vision) or other vision disturbances
• Infections in the fractured bone or soft tissues of the face

Early diagnosis and treatment minimize the risk of these complications.

How Can Facial Fractures Be Prevented?

Prevention of facial fractures is very important. The use of seat belts while driving, helmets for motorcycles and bicycles, as well as protective gear during sports such as football and rugby, can reduce the risk of serious injuries. Additionally, preventing falls in the elderly and proper treatment of osteoporosis are crucial.

Conclusion

Facial fractures are serious injuries that require immediate diagnosis and treatment by a specialized physician. If not properly managed, they can cause permanent complications. However, with the right treatment and appropriate care, patients can fully recover and restore the aesthetics and functionality of their face.