Fracture of the upper jaw, lower - symptoms and treatment
A jaw fracture is a fairly common facial injury that occurs as a result of a direct blow or a fall on a hard surface. Treatment of a fractured jaw should be carried out under the supervision of doctors, because if it is not carried out correctly, the development of serious complications is possible.
Fracture of the lower jaw - features
Such an injury has some features:
- a fracture with displacement of bone fragments or the entire jaw is called complete;
- if the injury is of an open type, then there is a rupture not only of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, but also of the soft tissues of the face;
- a comminuted fracture is rarely diagnosed, due to the fact that too much force must be applied for this.
A fracture of the lower jaw is characterized by the following signs:
- pronounced asymmetry of the face, which is formed due to swelling and hemorrhages in the soft tissues at the site of the injury;
- sharp pain when touching any part of the lower jaw, inability to speak, chew;
- the mobility of debris, if any;
- a drastic change in the bite - the lower jaw may be pushed too far forward or, on the contrary, "went" deep.
Everyone can provide first aid for this injury - you need to apply a bandage (place any straight object between the teeth, for example, a ruler) so that the damaged part of the jaw is immobile. If there is bleeding, then it must be stopped by applying something cold, treating it with hydrogen peroxide and other classic methods. Then it remains only to wait for the arrival of the "Ambulance" brigade.
Symptoms, first aid for a fracture of the upper jaw
A fracture of the upper jaw occurs much less often - only 30% of all facial injuries. This is a dangerous injury, because in most cases it is accompanied by serious complications - meningitis, osteomyelitis. Moreover, the higher the crack formed (the fracture line), the more severe the consequences will be.
Symptoms of a fracture of the jaw (upper) can vary and depend on which part of it is damaged:
- injury above the palatine vault + fracture of the nose + fracture of the maxillary sinus bone is accompanied by severe bleeding between the upper lip and upper teeth, large swelling of the upper part of the face;
- detachment of the upper jaw from the vault of the skull + a crack going through the eye socket and bridge of the nose, characterized by severe swelling and rapid spread of hematoma under both eyes, numbness in this area, nosebleeds and uncontrollable drooling;
- detachment of the jaw + fracture of the base of the jaw can be diagnosed by drooping of the eyeballs, impaired vision.
First aid consists in complete immobilization of the upper part of the face, cleaning the oral cavity from fragments of teeth / bones. In any case, the victim will have nausea, vomiting may develop.
Treatment of jaw fracture
Treatment for injuries should be carried out only by doctors, and the earlier qualified medical assistance is provided, the lower the risk of complications. Treatment of a jaw fracture may include the following manipulations:
- if there is a wound (rupture of soft tissues, mucous membranes), first stop the bleeding, carry out disinfection measures;
- manual matching of bone fragments, providing the correct shape to the damaged jaw;
- a splint must be applied - in the case of a jaw fracture, it is necessary to achieve its complete immobilization for at least one month.
In addition, painkillers and anti-inflammatory therapy are prescribed. If a fracture of the processes of the jaw is diagnosed, then, most likely, a surgical intervention will be prescribed, which involves the implantation of specific metal plates. The doctor will tell you more about the operation during the consultation. Registration on our website Dobrobut.com.
Rehabilitation after a jaw fracture includes physiotherapy, massage and face exercises. Patients often have to relearn how to chew and speak without slurring their sounds.