Facial Fractures (jaw, Nose, Cheekbones)

Facial fractures involving the jaw (mandible/maxilla), nose (nasal bones), and cheekbones (zygomatic/zygoma) commonly arise from assaults, falls, sports injuries, or accidents. Nasal fractures often present with immediate bleeding, crookedness, and breathing difficulty. Jaw fractures lead to pain with chewing, misalignment of teeth, and limited mouth opening. Zygomatic fractures cause cheek flattening, eye socket issues, and numbness due to infraorbital nerve involvement.

Diagnosis relies on clinical exams, CT scans for precise fracture patterns like Le Fort classifications, and X-rays. Symptoms universally include bruising, swelling, tenderness, and potential vision or airway compromise in severe cases.

Treatment prioritizes stabilization: closed reduction for simple fractures using splints or wiring; open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) with titanium plates/screws for complex ones. Antibiotics prevent infection, corticosteroids reduce swelling, and pain management aids recovery. Jaw fractures may require liquid diets and intermaxillary fixation.

Healing timeline: swelling subsides in 2-3 weeks, full bone union in 6-8 weeks. Complications like malocclusion, nerve damage, or sinusitis necessitate multidisciplinary care by maxillofacial surgeons. Early intervention restores function and aesthetics effectively.

This diagram illustrates key facial fracture sites including zygomatic, nasal, maxillary, and mandibular bones.