A jaw fracture is a violation of the integrity of the bone under the influence of force. Such fractures can be:
- Traumatic. There are a stroke, gunshot wound, accident or accident;
- Pathological. They occur spontaneously, as a result of the development of osteomyelitis, a large cyst or a malignant tumor.
Fractures of the lower jaw account for approximately 70% of all injuries that occur in the face. The lower jaw has the shape of a horseshoe and double, and even triple fractures are often found in injuries.
A fracture of the jaw can have a wide variety of consequences. Most often, the mouth simply stops properly closing and opening. If the fracture occurred in the lateral part of the lower jaw, then the mandibular nerve may be damaged. Then the victim experiences numbness of the jaw from the side of the damage, and with bilateral damage the whole jaw goes numb. When a fracture of the jaw is accompanied by a violation of the integrity of the oral mucosa and ruptures of soft tissues, then it is called open. Sometimes with such an injury, large vessels are damaged and large hematomas form. Often a fracture accompanies a concussion, and in some cases a person experiences shock.
If you or someone from your environment has a broken jaw, then you need to stay calm and call an ambulance. As a rule, the appearance of injuries in the face does not correspond to the severity of the injuries received, but specialized help cannot be dispensed with. Even when the injury is not very serious, you should not try to put the jaw back in place, because it can be harmful.
If the victim lost consciousness, then he must be put on his side so that saliva, blood and tongue do not become an obstacle to breathing. It must be transported in the same position. In case of severe bleeding, tampons can be used before the doctors arrive, and if you have special skills, you should press the carotid artery from the side of the injury.
Upon admission to the hospital, an X-ray examination is mandatory. It is necessary to confirm the diagnosis made after a physical examination of the patient. When there is a fracture of the jaw, treatment is started as soon as the patient's condition stabilizes. His method is chosen depending on the severity of the damage. Treatment includes the following steps:
- Combination of fragments, which is carried out under local anesthesia. It can be done immediately by hand. But in some cases, especially if a sufficiently long time has passed since the moment of the injury, this procedure is carried out gradually, using special devices, as well as intermaxillary or extraoral traction;
- Fixation of jaw fragments for the period of bone restoration. To do this, use various techniques and devices;
- Creation of conditions that contribute to the rapid restoration of the jaw.
- Prevention of complications of an infectious and inflammatory nature.
In case the jaw fracture is treated by the surgical method, the fragments can be fixed by stitching them with tantalum or steel wire, metal knitting needles or plates, extraoral devices.
The main goal of treating jaw fractures is the fusion of all fragments in a position that will ensure the restoration of the bite, and in a short time. If a fracture of the jaw is combined with other serious damage to the face, then there is a need for plastic surgery. Often they are performed in several stages, and if necessary, prostheses of the jaw and face are made. Sometimes, with a fracture of the jaw, serious complications such as osteomyelitis, meningitis, phlegmon, and some other diseases occur.