Facial fractures are breaks or cracks in the bones of the face, which can be treated through various methods depending on the location and severity of the injury.
For example, through a combination of pain management, antibiotics to prevent infection, reduction to reposition the fractured b... Read More
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Facial fractures are breaks or cracks in the bones of the face, which can be treated through various methods depending on the location and severity of the injury.
For example, through a combination of pain management, antibiotics to prevent infection, reduction to reposition the fractured bones, and fixation using plates, screws, wires, or other hardware to promote healing and prevent displacement.
The specific treatment approach will depend on the location and severity of the fracture, as well as the patient's overall health and medical history. Treatment may be done by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, plastic surgeon, or another specialist depending on the type and location of the fracture.
Treatment of Facial Fractures costs in Pakistan from around 15,000 to 30,000 PKR.
Facial fracture treatment is typically necessary when there is a break or cracks in the bones of the face. Signs and symptoms of a facial fracture may include:
Pain or tenderness in the affected area
Swelling or bruising around the affected area
Numbness or tingling in the face or mouth
Difficulty moving the jaw or other facial structures
Changes in the way the teeth fit together
Changes in vision or double vision
Clear fluid or blood draining from the nose or ears
A doctor can perform a physical examination and order medical imaging such as X-rays or CT scans to diagnose the fracture and determine the appropriate treatment approach.
Following is a general overview of the steps that may be involved in its treatment process:
The first step in treating a facial fracture is to evaluate and diagnose the fracture. This typically involves a physical examination by a healthcare professional, as well as medical imaging such as X-rays or CT scans.
If the patient is experiencing pain or discomfort, the healthcare professional may prescribe pain medication to alleviate the symptoms.
If the bones are displaced or not properly aligned, the healthcare professional may need to reposition them into their proper alignment. This is known as a reduction, and it may be done using manual manipulation or specialized tools.
Once the bones are in their proper alignment, the doctor may use plates, screws, wires, or other hardware to stabilize the bones and promote healing. This is known as fixation, and it may be done under local or general anesthesia depending on the severity of the fracture.
If there is an open wound, the surgeon will clean the wound and apply a dressing or bandage to protect it from infection.
The doctor will provide instructions for aftercare and follow-up care.
Some of these risks and complications may include:
Scarring or visible deformity
Pain, swelling, or bruising
Infection at the surgical site or in the bones
Hematoma at the surgical site
Reduced or limited mobility of the jaw or other facial structures
Damage to nearby structures such as nerves, blood vessels, or teeth
Hardware complications like loosening or breakage of plates, screws, or wires
Anesthesia-related risks such as allergic reactions, respiratory problems, or heart issue
Abnormal healing, for example, a malunion (bone heals in an incorrect position) or nonunion (bone fails to heal)
Here are some general things to expect:
Swelling and bruising around the treated area is common and may take several weeks to fully subside.
Pain or discomfort may be present, and patients may be prescribed medication to manage it.
Patients may be instructed to restrict certain activities, such as physical exercise, heavy lifting, or eating hard foods for a period of time to avoid putting stress on the treated area.
If hardware such as plates or screws were used to stabilize the bones, they may need to be removed later on, typically after the bone has fully healed.
Facial fractures can have an emotional impact on patients due to the potential for changes in appearance. Patients may feel anxious or self-conscious during the recovery process.