Causes and risk factors
Unlike any other fracture, the major cause of facial fractures is road accidents or vehicle injury. Facial fractures are commonly seen during sports activity. It is more commonly seen in cricket players or while playing sports like football or baseball. Fall assaults while being involved in fights and stabbing injuries can also result in facial fractures. Facial fractures are often associated with head and spine injuries. Studies have shown that facial fractures are commonly seen in people engaged in athletics activities.
Clinical presentation:
Great amount of force is usually required for fracture of facial bones. Nasal bones are the most common bones which is get fractured, as less amount of force is required for it to break. Orbital fractures are more commonly seen in young adults. Pain is a prominent feature seen. Along with this, swelling and bruising are the other complaints. Other symptoms vary as per the bone involved. Orbital bone fracture causes sunkenness of the eyes, bruising around eyes is seen. The vision is affected. The surrounding area up till until the cheek check becomes numb. Along with the common feature of any fracture, nasal fractures causes bleeding from the nose. Bulging can be seen. The airway can be obstructed. The person can suffer from difficulty in breathing. The intercanthal distance can be widened. With mandibular fractures, pain in the jaw along with numbness of the cheeks is seen. Breaking of teeth is seen along with bruising under the tongue. Movement of the jaw becomes difficult. Apart from feature of the fractures, certain other complaints at systemic level are often associated.
Investigations:
Considering the symptoms symptoms, a local examination is carried out by the doctor. There is often a history of injury. Investigations, especially CT scan, is the most diagnostic imaging test which is done. However, routinely x-ray can also be done.
Treatment:
Rest, elevation of the head and application of ice packs are the essential steps to be implemented. Analgesic, or non steroidal anti anti-inflammatory drugs are advised by the orthopedic doctor. The fracture is left to be healed on its own, in cases where there is no dislocation of the facial bones. Severe facial fractures needs to be corrected by surgical repair. Close reduction or open reduction with internal fixation is done. Any disfigurement or hampering the cosmetic appearance needs reconstruction. Dental care and treatment is needed where the teeth and jaw are involved. In cases where the injury is hampering the circulation or causing airway obstruction, intensive unit care is needed in such cases. Assessing the airway, breathing, and circulation needs to be done.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up with the symptoms. Taking into consideration the symptoms in a holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints. Certain yoga exercises can also be helpful in strengthening the muscles.
Facts and Figures:
Studies have noted that facial fractures accounts for 4-18% of sports injuries and that in 75% of facial fractures, mandible, zygoma, and nose are more commonly affected.
Recent update:
A Brazilian study showed that facial fractures are more commonly seen in soccer players.
