Fracture of skull and facial bones

Skull and Facial Fracture (Head Injury; Open Skull Fracture; Closed Skull Fracture; Fracture, Skull and Facial; Maxillary Fracture; Fort Fracture; Mandible Fracture; Zygomatic Fracture)

Description of a fracture of the skull and facial bones

Fracture of skull and facial bones – damage or destruction of the bone of the head and face.

There are two basic types of skull fractures:

• Open skull fracture – rupture of the scalp;
• Closed skull fracture – the scalp is intact.

Fracture person includes:

• Maxillary fracture – destruction of the top of the jaw bone;
• Fracture by Le Fort – fracture of the upper part of the jaw and other facial structures – nasal and oral cavities and orbits (classified by 1-4 degrees, depending on the degree of bone loss;
• Fractures of the mandible;
• Fractures cheekbone.

These fractures are potentially life-threatening injury and require immediate medical attention.

The reasons for the fracture of the skull and facial bones

Most often,: causes fractures of the skull and / or facial fractures are:

• Road accidents;
• Sports Injuries;
• Violence in family, child abuse or elderly;
• Dumb blow;
• Drop;
• Gunshot wounds.

Risk factors for a fracture of the skull and facial bones

This type of fracture occurs most often in accidents.

Symptoms of a fracture of the skull and facial bones

Symptoms depend on the location of the injury and the degree of damage to the bones. The doctor will look for the following:

• Symptoms of brain damage:
  • Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid;
  • The increased pressure in the brain;
  • The blood from the ears;
  • Paralysis of the limbs;
• Signs of a concussion:
  • Dizziness, headache, nausea, a feeling of weakness, changes in vision, feeling of intoxication, difficulty concentrating;
• Other features, characteristic of a fracture of the skull and face:
  • Pain;
  • Inability to move face or mouth;
  • Bruising of the eye and / or face;
  • Edema, soreness at the site of injury;
  • Headache;
  • Hearing loss;
• Fractures of the face can affect the respiratory system and the ability to breathe.

Diagnosis of a fracture of the skull and facial bones

You, probably, It will be taken to the hospital. The doctor will ask about your symptoms and how, how the injury occurred. There will be a physical exam and a neurological examination to assess the nervous system. Tests may include the following:

• Based on Glasgow Coma Scale – neurologic examination, that checks different parts of the nervous system, including:
  • The level of consciousness;
  • The reactions of the pupil to light;
  • Reflexes;
  • Reaction to stimuli;
• Head CT – X-ray views, which uses computer, to take pictures of structures of the head;
• Analysis of fluid from the ears and nose – when there is a traumatic brain injury, it may be a leak of cerebrospinal fluid from the ears or nose;
• Assessment of pain.

Treatment of fractures of the skull and facial bones

Treatment will depend on the location and extent of damage.

The first steps will be aimed at stabilizing the area of ​​injury. It may include:

• Installing ness to stabilize the spine (especially the neck, as it is often injured along with the face or skull);
• Intravenous fluids;
• Oxygen, Installation breathing tube to blocked airways;
• Referral to the hospital for monitoring.

Treatment options include the following:

Surgery

Operation for this damage will depend on the type of injury. It may include drilling holes in the skull, to relieve pressure, or fixing the broken bones surgically.

Maybe, need surgery to repair the bone of the jaw.

If the observed accumulation of blood in the brain (hematoma), it is possible, It should be removed. The operation can be carried out immediately after the trauma, or later, when the swelling subsides.

Medication

• Medications may be prescribed, to reduce the pressure inside the head, or to reduce brain edema;
• Antibiotic appointed, to prevent infection, if there is damage to the scalp;
• Sometimes prescribed drug, which prevents convulsions;
• They can be assigned to painkillers and sedatives.

Hospitalization

People with these fractures usually need some time to be in hospital. Serious injuries may require monitoring in the intensive care. Some persons with injuries of the skull and facial bones need assistance in maintaining respiration. To do this, the tube is inserted into the throat, and through it the air is fed into the lungs.

Prevention of fractures of the skull and facial bones

To reduce the risk of breaking bones of the skull or face:

• Carefully drive the car and always use seat belts;
• Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• Avoid situations, that put you at risk of injury;
• Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or motorcycle;
• Take steps to avoid falls in the home;
• For children, use the appropriate child seats.