In the last 2 decades or so, a system-wide improvement in assessment, resuscitation, and management of trauma has improved overall outcomes, thus reducing the impact of traumatic injuries on the society as a whole. Dissemination of this information from the developed to the developing world has had a positive impact.
Traumatic injuries affect thousands of individuals and account for billions of dollars in direct and indirect expenditures annually. More than 9 people die every minute from injuries and violence according to the World Health Organization. In the last 2 decades or so, a system-wide improvement in assessment, resuscitation, and management of trauma has improved overall outcomes, thus reducing the impact of traumatic injuries on the society as a whole. Dissemination of this information from the developed to the developing world has had a positive impact.
Injury to the soft tissue and/or bone of the face and skull is known as cranial trauma. The causes of these injuries are as varied as the severity of the injuries. Because the face accounts for such a large portion of our identifiable characteristics, even minor modifications or variations in our facial structure can be seen by others, either explicitly or unconsciously.
Accident, contact sports and gymnastics are common activities that might raise the risk of a craniofacial injury.
Swelling, bruising, and skin lacerations are common signs of facial injuries (cuts). Broken bones in the face are indicated by a widening of the space between a person's eyes and movement in the upper jaw even when the head is stabilized.
Severe craniofacial trauma can also be indicated by abnormal feelings around the face and bleeding from the ears, nose, or mouth. If the damage hinders normal function or results in a significant deformity, surgery is required.
Bone fractures in the face are treated in the same way as fractures in other regions of the body are treated. Minor fractures may not require treatment and will heal on their own. In order for more significant fractures to heal effectively, the bones must be stabilized. Surgery, as well as implants such as wires, plates, and screws, may be required in certain circumstances.
The treatment's purpose is to:
Control bleeding
Create a clear airway
Treat the fracture and fix broken bone segments
Prevent long-term double vision or sunken eyes or cheek bones
Rule out other injuries
Treatment should be done as soon as possible