How is it Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of facio-maxillary injuries involves a combination of clinical evaluation and
imaging studies. These injuries often result from trauma such as road accidents,
assaults, sports injuries, or falls, and may involve the soft tissues, bones, and dental
structures of the face.
Initial assessment follows Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocols to stabilize
airway, breathing, and circulation. A focused history is taken if the patient is conscious,
including mechanism of injury and symptoms such as facial pain, swelling, numbness,
vision disturbances, malocclusion, or bleeding.
Physical examination includes inspection and palpation for deformities, swelling,
ecchymosis, step-offs in the bone contour, eye movement restriction, and sensory
deficits in facial nerves. Intraoral examination checks for dental injuries and occlusion
abnormalities.
Imaging is critical. A maxillofacial CT scan is the gold standard for evaluating complex
fractures of the zygoma, maxilla, mandible, orbit, and nasal bones. Orthopantomogram
(OPG) helps assess mandibular fractures. Plain X-rays are less favored due to limited
detail.
In some cases, ophthalmologic and neurologic assessments are required to evaluate
damage to the eyes or brain. Dental evaluations may also be necessary for associated
dental trauma.
Prompt diagnosis ensures appropriate surgical or conservative management and
prevents complications such as infection, malunion, or persistent facial deformity.