A LeFort fracture is a severe break in the jaw caused by high-impact accidents or trauma. There are three types of LeFort fractures, and surgery is usually required to reconstruct the jaw and repair surrounding soft tissue. Recovery can take months or years, but most patients eventually recover normal vision and ability to speak.
A LeFort fracture is a severe break along the jaw, a large section of bone in the front of the face. The maxilla connects the base of the skull to the upper jaw and serves to protect the eye sockets, nasal passages and sinuses. A LeFort fracture generally requires a large amount of force, such as the impact of a high-speed automobile crash. Patients diagnosed with a LeFort fracture usually need surgery to reconstruct the jaw, realign the bones in the face, and repair the surrounding soft tissue. Depending on the exact location and severity of a fracture, a person may need ongoing surgical care and physical therapy to correct complications.
Doctors generally recognize three general types of LeFort fracture, classified according to which part of the jaw is broken. Type one fractures occur along the lower portion of the bone, just below the nose. Type two indicates a break behind or on the side of the bridge of the nose, and a type three fracture occurs below the eye sockets.
Small fractures and bone bruises along the jaw are common consequences of fistfights, sports injuries, and falls. A true LeFort fracture, however, involves a more serious and definite break. Car accidents are by far the leading cause of LeFort’s fractures. A fall from a great height or blunt trauma from a heavy, hard object can also cause a serious break. Acute facial injuries typically cause intense pain and swelling that can inhibit speech, breathing, or vision. It is essential to contact emergency personnel when a person suffers a head injury to prevent coma, shock, and other life-threatening complications.
In an emergency department, a patient with a suspected LeFort fracture is immediately evaluated for breathing problems and blood loss. After the body systems have stabilized, a specialist may do x-rays and computed tomography scans of the head. Imaging tests show the location of the fracture, its severity, and any collateral damage to the soft tissue of the face. Once the full extent of a patient’s injury has been studied, treatment decisions can be considered.
Patients who are not at risk of airway constriction or vision loss may not need surgery right away. Pain medications, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs can ease some symptoms until an operation is scheduled. Surgical procedures are usually focused on realigning the jaw bone and filling any gaps with synthetic material or bone grafted tissue. Surgeons also address any damage to the eye sockets, nasal passages, sinuses, and nerves. Recovery can take several months or years depending on the severity of a LeFort fracture, but most patients are able to eventually recover normal vision and ability to speak.
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