Fractures of the bones of the face are most often the result of some type of trauma including motor vehicle accidents, falls, or altercations. The images to the right show fractures of the right maxilla, zygoma and orbital rim.
Most facial fractures are easily diagnosed but some symptoms may include pain, swelling, bruising, facial deformity, facial tenderness or bleeding from the nose. Fractures of the nasal bones, the zygoma, and the mandible are the most common, but others can occur depending upon the location of the blow to the face. In fact, if a person is hit hard enough in the nose, it can cause fractures of the ethmoid bone!
The most common imaging method for the diagnosis of facial fractures is a non contrast CT exam. Both bone and soft tissue algorithms are used in order to determine the extent of the damage.
There are many different treatment options for those who have facial fractures. Fractures of the nose can sometimes be left to heal on their own, depending upon the severity of the damage and whether or not the fractures interferes with breathing. Surgery for the treatment of orbital rim fractures is often only necessary if the patient experiences persistent double vision or if the patient's eye begins to recede into the eye socket. Fractures of the maxillae, mandible, and zygoma almost always require surgery.
I found the information for this blog at emedicinehealth.com.
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