Maxillofacial trauma: managing potentially dangerous and disfiguring complex injuries [digest]

Emerg Med Pract. 2017 Apr 22;19(4 Suppl Points & Pearls):S1-S2.

Abstract

Patients with maxillofacial trauma require a careful evaluation due to the anatomical proximity of the maxillofacial region to the head and neck. Facial injuries can range from soft-tissue lacerations and nondisplaced nasal fractures to severe, complex fractures, eye injuries, and possible brain injury. Though the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) guidelines provide a framework for the management of trauma patients, they do not provide a detailed reference for many subtle or complex facial injuries. This issue adds a more comprehensive and systematic approach to the secondary survey of the maxillofacial area and emergency department management of injuries to the face. In addition to an overall review of maxillofacial trauma pathophysiology, associated injuries, and physical examination, this review will also discuss relevant imaging, treatment, and disposition plans. [Points & Pearls is a digest of Emergency Medicine Practice].

MeSH terms

  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic / diagnosis
  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic / physiopathology
  • Brain Injuries, Traumatic / therapy
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / organization & administration
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data
  • Eye Injuries / diagnosis
  • Eye Injuries / physiopathology
  • Eye Injuries / therapy
  • Facial Bones / abnormalities
  • Facial Bones / injuries
  • Facial Bones / physiopathology
  • Fractures, Bone / diagnosis
  • Fractures, Bone / physiopathology
  • Fractures, Bone / therapy
  • Humans
  • Maxillofacial Injuries / diagnosis*
  • Maxillofacial Injuries / physiopathology*
  • Maxillofacial Injuries / therapy*