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Craniofacial Trauma

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Book cover Head, Thoracic, Abdominal, and Vascular Injuries

Part of the book series: European Manual of Medicine ((EUROMANUAL))

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Abstract

The face is a central part of one’s existence. Our daily life is intertwined with facial expressions and thus depends on good facial function. Facial fractures are common, and correct treatment has to be undertaken from the start to avoid debilitating sequelae. Emergency treatment of the patient may be compromised if the effect of patient’s facial fractures on the airway as well as the potential change in the interpretation of for instance the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is not taken into account. Mandibular, midface – including zygoma and orbital fractures, frontal – and skull base fractures have to be considered and are often associated with spinal as well as head injuries. Dentoalveolar and dental fractures are also common and the correct diagnosis and emergency treatment in all the aforementioned fractures are essential in securing a good outcome. The aim of this chapter is to leave the reader with a general overview of facial trauma, potential emergency, and final treatment modalities as well as current controversies in this field. We trust that this will enhance the reader’s ability to improve the care of our patients.

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The authors thank Mrs. Christa Giger and Dr Daniel Zweifel for their editing assistance.

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Correspondence to Marius G. Bredell .

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Bredell, M.G., Grätz, K.W. (2011). Craniofacial Trauma. In: Oestern, HJ., Trentz, O., Uranues, S. (eds) Head, Thoracic, Abdominal, and Vascular Injuries. European Manual of Medicine. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-88122-3_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-88122-3_3

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

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