$closed fracture of orbital floor$

Soft tissue injuriesĭisruption to the soft tissues of the face can be disfiguring and may significantly damage underlying anatomical structures. 1 Injuries affecting the GCS need immediate referral to a hospital emergency department. The severity of this can be assessed using the Glasgow Coma Score (GCS). Head trauma with involvement of the neurocranium may lead to unconsciousness, amnesia, nausea, post-traumatic headache or dizziness. 4 Airway compromise, major haemorrhage and visual loss are the key problems to rule out on initial assessment. Assessment should initially follow standard Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) guidelines.

$closed fracture of orbital floor$

Although some injuries may appear dramatic, they should not distract the GP from their initial assessment and management. Weekends, night time and Monday mornings are the most common times that facial injuries present. In Australia, maxillofacial fractures are the third most common trauma in falls in the elderly after neck of femur and upper limb fractures. 2 Despite the decrease in facial trauma from motor vehicle accidents due to safety improvements such as airbags and seat belts, injuries due to interpersonal violence continue to rise. Maxillofacial trauma presentations in 2011 at the Royal Brisbane Hospital (Queensland) have risen 28% in the same 10 month period compared to 2010. Unfortunately, the incidence of maxillofacial trauma is increasing at an alarming rate.

$closed fracture of orbital floor$

Not only does this result in a disgruntled patient, it may affect their ability to continue to perform their occupation.

$closed fracture of orbital floor$

Overlooking a fracture may not have immediate consequences, but can result in disfigurement and permanent disability. The diagnosis of maxillofacial fractures can be challenging, as haematoma and swelling can mask the extent of the underlying injury.

$closed fracture of orbital floor$

Closed fracture of orbital floor