Evaluation and management of facial fractures

Facial fractures may portend intracranial and skullbase injury and may lead to rapid compromise of the airway. Primary care physicians may provide emergency care for patients who have sustained facial trauma. After immediate resuscitation and stabilization, management of facial fractures requires knowledge of the anatomy, rapid treatment methods and identification of potential associated injuries for each type of facial fracture. Differentiation between the life-threatening aspects of these injuries and the less urgent, but more apparent, facial injuries will lessen the risk of complications such as bleeding, meningitis and asphyxia. Knowledge of the anatomy of the facial skeleton and of the potential injuries associated with each of the various types of facial fractures will facilitate effective management decisions. Consultation should be sought when functional features are involved or when the injury threatens to produce future cosmetic anomalies.