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Facial trauma
Maxillofacial injury; Midface trauma; Facial injury; LeFort injuries
Facial trauma is an injury of the face. It may include the facial bones such as the upper jaw bone (maxilla).
Causes
Facial injuries can affect the upper jaw, lower jaw, cheek, nose, eye socket, or forehead. They may be caused by blunt force or be the result of a wound.
Common causes of injury to the face include:
- Car and motorcycle crashes
- Wounds
- Sports injuries
- Violence
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Changes in 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 or bruising around the eyes that may cause vision problems
Exams and Tests
The health care provider will perform a physical exam, which may show:
- Bleeding from the nose, eyes, or mouth
- 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
- Changes in vision or the movement of the eyes
- Improperly aligned upper and lower teeth
The following may suggest bone fractures:
- Abnormal feelings on the cheek
- Irregularities of the face that can be felt by touching
- Movement of the upper jaw when the head is still
A CT scan of the head and bones of the face may be done.
CT scan of the head
A head computed tomography (CT) scan uses many x-rays to create pictures of the head, including the skull, brain, eye sockets, and sinuses.
Treatment
Surgery is done if the injury prevents normal functioning or causes a major deformity.
The goal of treatment is to:
- Control bleeding
- Create a clear airway
- Treat the fracture and fix broken bone segments
- Prevent scars, if possible
- Prevent long-term double vision or sunken eyes or cheek bones
- Rule out other injuries
Treatment should be done as soon as possible if the person is stable and does not have a neck fracture.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Most people do very well with proper treatment. More surgery may be needed in 6 to 12 months to correct changes in appearance.
Possible Complications
Complications may include:
- Bleeding
- Uneven face
- Infection
- Brain and nervous system problems
- Numbness or weakness
- Loss of vision or double vision
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 while driving.
Use protective head gear when doing work or activities that could injure the face.
References
Kellman RM. Maxillofacial trauma. In: Flint PW, Haughey BH, Lund LJ, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 23.
Mayersak RJ. Facial trauma. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2014:chap 42.
Review Date: 8/5/2015
Reviewed By: Sumana Jothi MD, specialist in laryngology, Clinical Instructor UCSF Otolaryngology, NCHCS VA, SFVA, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
