Maxillofacial Trauma
Maxillofacial trauma refers to injuries to the face, jaws, and related structures. It can result from a wide range of incidents, including motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, assaults, and falls. Maxillofacial trauma is relatively common, with an estimated incidence of 12-15% of all facial fractures in the United States.
At Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, our board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons provide maxillofacial trauma reconstructive surgeries to patients from over a 50,000-square-mile catchment area via Northern Arizona Healthcare, the only Level 1 trauma center north of Phoenix.
Maxillofacial Surgery Benefits:
Facial trauma can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life, including their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Reconstructive surgery can help patients regain a sense of normalcy and improve their overall quality of life.
Common Maxillofacial Trauma Injuries
Common injuries associated with maxillofacial trauma include fractures of the nasal bone, mandible, and maxilla. Fractures of the orbit (the bony cavity that houses the eye) and zygomatic bone (the cheekbone) are also common. Soft tissue injuries, such as lacerations or contusions, can occur as well.
Injuries to the teeth and surrounding structures, such as the alveolar bone (the bone that supports the teeth), are also common in maxillofacial trauma injuries. These injuries can range from a chipped tooth to the avulsion (complete displacement) of a tooth from its socket.
Maxillofacial trauma can also result in more serious injuries, such as airway obstruction or damage to the brain. These injuries require prompt medical attention and management.
Treatment Approaches
Untreated or poorly treated facial trauma can lead to long-term complications, such as malocclusion (misaligned bite), double vision, difficulty breathing, chronic pain, and difficulty chewing or speaking. Reconstructive surgery can help prevent these complications from developing. Treatments for maxillofacial trauma typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, with input from oral and maxillofacial surgeons, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, ophthalmologists, neurosurgeons, and other specialists as needed. Treatment may involve surgery to repair fractures, reconstructive procedures to restore the appearance and function of the face, and/or dental procedures to address any dental injuries. Reconstructive surgery can restore the function of the jaw, teeth, and other structures affected by trauma. This can improve the patient’s ability to eat, speak, and breathe properly.
At Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, our board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons provide maxillofacial trauma reconstructive surgeries to patients from over a 50,000-square-mile catchment area via Northern Arizona Healthcare, the only Level 1 trauma center north of Phoenix.
Aftercare Instructions
Medical Review: This procedural information has been medically reviewed by plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Brian A. Cripe, M.D.
