Facial Trauma

Definition

Facial trauma is an injury of the face. It may include the facial bones such as the upper jaw bone (maxilla).

Alternative Names

Maxillofacial injury; Midface trauma; Facial injury; LeFort injuries

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.

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.