There are various causes of facial fractures. Generally, a fracture can be caused by vehicular accidents, workplace mishaps, sports-related injuries and interpersonal trauma. During the early management phase, life-threatening issues are dealt with initially and repairs are only done once the condition of the individual has been stabilized.
In most cases, a CT scan is carried out to assess the skeletal trauma. Oftentimes, a dental x-ray might be required if a jaw fracture is suspected.
What are the type of facial fractures?
Orbital fractures
Orbital fractures might be isolated or occur with significant facial injury. They are usually due to direct trauma from a fist or a ball.
Common indications of this type of fracture include:
- Bruising and swelling around the eye
- Sunken appearance of the eyeball
- Blurred or double vision
- Numbness of the cheek beneath the affected eye
Remember that not all orbital fractures require surgery. The doctor will only require surgical intervention if the vision is compromised and if the eyeball has sagged into the socket.
Nasoethmoid complex facial fractures
Similar with other facial fractures, this type which involves the sinus bones between the eyes can occur with other facial injuries. Generally, the injury is due to high-velocity trauma.
The usual indications include:
- Significant orbital swelling
- Evident widening around the eyes
- Bruising around the eyes
Since the ethmoid sinuses are close to the skull base, there might be leakage of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF).
Maxillary fractures
These fractures involve the mid-face and generally the result of high-speed trauma. The usual indications include:
- Vision issues
- Changes in dental occlusion or teeth that do not properly fit
- Drainage of clear fluid from the nose
Mandible fractures
Jawbone or mandible fractures are the second common facial fractures. The usual indications of this type of facial fracture include:
- Chin numbness
- Jaw pain and tenderness
- Bruising under the tongue
- Inability or difficult bringing the teeth together
Disclaimer / More Information
The information posted on this page on facial fractures is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to how these fractures are managed, register for first aid training at one of our training centers located throughout Canada. The training centers are in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Kelowna, Saskatoon, Victoria, Surrey, Mississauga, Winnipeg, Red Deer, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax.