facial trauma

Question 1

the maxilla forms a bridge between what?

Answer 1

the cranial base and the dental occlusal plane

making it a functionally and cosmetically important structure

Question 2

how serious is a fracture of the maxilla?

Answer 2

potentially life-threatening as well as disfiguring

Question 3

what is the mechanism of injury for a maxillary fracture?

Answer 3

high-energy blunt force trauma to the facial skeleton

Question 4

how do orbital floor fractures present?

Answer 4

• Pain, decreased visual acuity, diplopia (double vision)
• Hypoaethesia in infraorbial region (partial numbness)
• Periorbital ecchymosis (blue-purple bruising and edema (swelling) around eyes)
• Oedema
• Enopthalmos
• Restriction of ocular movement
• Bony step of orbital rim

Question 5

what is enopthalmos?

Answer 5

backward displacement or sinking of the eyeball into the socket (orbit), making the eye appear sunken

Question 6

what investigations should be done?

Answer 6

CT

Question 7

what does a tear drop sign on CT indicate?

Answer 7

orbital blowout fracture

fat and the inferior rectus muscle herniate downward through the orbital floor into the maxillary sinus

Question 8

what is the management for facial trauma like fractures?

Answer 8

Surgical repair of bony walls if there is entrapment, a large defect, or significant enopthlamos

Question 9

what is the clinical presentation for mid facial fractures?

Answer 9

• Soft tissue swelling
• Bruising and haematoma
• Posterior retrusion of the mid face
• Upper airway may be compromised
• Palpate - detect for bony irregularities, step-offs, crepitus, and sensory disturbances