While nature has protected the brain with a complete helmet of thick bone of great strength, the bony areas of the face are more fragile.
Although the etiology of facial fractures varies from one geographical area to another according to the development and type of the prevalent transportation system, automobile accidents probably cause more facial injuries-than any other modality in most modern countries.
Often the facial fracture is not an isolated injury; frequently, other associated injuries are present in these patients.
Proper diagnosis of these and management of the total patient is mandatory.
Authors reviewed and evaluated clinical patterns and proper management of facial bone fractured patients who were admitted and treated in Paik Foundation Hospital from March 1, 1974 to Agust 31, 1978.
There were 147 facial bone fractures "in ´that period.
Death from facial bone fracture alone did not occur but two fatalities did occur from associated intracranial injury.
The average age was 29.2 years and the male sex tended to predominate (75.2 oa)
May was the month in which the greatest number of patient (13.6%) was injured.
Traffic accidents ranked first (59.2%) as the cause of facial fractures. Nasal bone fractures (40. 2%) were most common in our treated patients, while fractures of mandible and zygoma were less frequent.
In our series 41 patients had multiple fractures which included two or more of the categories noted. 32. 8 per cent of our patients had fractures other than facial bone fracture. Leg, arm, and skull li actures were frequently found in association with facial fractures. Life-threatening conditions, such as cerebral contusion or hemorrhagic shock, were frequent. Of our patients, 8 had no operative procedures or were treated conservatively because of age or severe associated injuries and death.
Closed fixati::n alone was used for 49.2%, while 20.6% required open reduction alone for reconstruction. After management of facial bone fractures, Complications, including significant under or overcorrection of zygomatic bone fractures (3.2%), malocclusion, osteomyelitis and diplopia were present in our treated patients.
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