Numerous events can lead to a facial fracture, commonly referred to as a broken bone in the face. Facial trauma can be unpleasant and worrisome, resulting from anything from an ice fall to a sports injury or even an automobile accident.
Here are some common facial bones:
- Mandible (Lower Jaw): The sole movable bone in the face, the mandible is prone to fractures from hard falls or blows.
- Upper Jaw: The maxilla is the upper portion of your face and is susceptible to fracture from a powerful blow to the face or an impact from below.
- Nasal bone: The nasal bone forms the bridge of your nose and is brittle enough to break under forceful impacts.
- Zygomatic bone: This makes up your cheekbones, is brittle and can break if you take a blow to the side of your face.
- Orbital Bones: Your eyes are shielded from harm by the orbital bones. Direct hits to the area around the eyes can break these bones.
Some signs and symptoms include:
- If you have numbness in your face, particularly in the vicinity of the hit, it may indicate nerve injury linked to a fracture.
- Following face trauma, teeth that feel loose or unsteady may indicate a jawbone fracture.
- Double vision, hazy vision, or pain in the vicinity of the eyes may be signs of an orbital bone fracture.
- If clear fluid is coming out of your nose or ear, you may have a skull base fracture, which has to be treated right away.
- A fracture may be indicated by a noticeable alteration in the shape or alignment of your face, such as a misaligned jaw or crooked nose.
- Following a facial trauma, bruising and swelling are usual. However, if they are severe or localized, they may also indicate a fracture.
- Facial fractures, especially those affecting the jaw or nasal bones, can result in bleeding from the mouth or nose.
- Difficulty Speaking or Chewing: Pain or difficulty speaking or chewing may be a sign of a fractured jaw or damage to the nerves that control these functions.
Facial Fractures are often a big blow to your confidence and result in a lot of pain. While some can heal naturally, others might need expert intervention. That is where Reconstructive Surgery comes into play. Your face’s appearance and functionality can both be restored with reconstructive surgery.Early diagnosis and treatment can minimise future complications and enable smooth recovery. Don’t hesitate and reach out to a medical expert immediately after a face injury.