Facial Trauma: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Issues

Athletic injuries to the face can occur in the form of minor soft tissue injuries such as bruises or abrasions, bony fractures, or damage to deeper structures. Head and neck trauma can threaten an athlete’s airway or neurologic function. Vision, hearing, salivary function, speech, facial movement, and sensation all have the potential to be affected. Teeth can be fractured, avulsed, or even aspirated. The individual evaluating head and neck injuries must be aware of the possible traumatic injuries in this region in order to properly treat an affected athlete. The causes, evaluation, and management of maxillofacial trauma will be presented to provide an understanding of this topic.