[Fracture healing of the face. General principals]

To obtain good and uncomplicated primary fracture healing, anatomical repositioning, direct bone apposition and stable fixation are mandatory. The course of primary fracture healing starts with acute inflammation (cellular and vascular), stabilization (formation of new bone), and remodeling. Besides good fixation, local factors such as age and type of fracture will influence the healing. If good reposition, apposition or adequate stabilization of the bony fragments are not achieved, the bone healing will be secondary. In secondary healing fracture repair and stabilization occurs through the formation of callus.