Maxillofacial Trauma: Peri Operative Challenges in the Management of Facial Bone Fractures

Abstract

Facial trauma and fractures of the facial bones may have associated brain and cervical spine injuries. Assault, gunshot wounds and motor vehicle accidents (MVA) are major contributory causes. Trauma units must be competent in airway management. Death may result from trauma itself, haemorrhage, aspiration or hypoxia. Initial screening of neurological injury must be followed by neural imaging studies and neurological examination.