Fracture of the upper jaw. Treatment, first aid, symptoms, classification: open, subbasal, comminuted, closed

Fracture of the upper jaw is a violation of the anatomical integrity of the bone as a result of various causes and predisposing factors. The violation can proceed in different forms and is accompanied by various reasons, but it often provokes complications.

Treatment of pathology requires adherence to the regimen and the use of various medications that accelerate bone healing, preventing the development of complications.

Views

Depending on the degree of tissue damage, fractures can be uncomplicated and complicated. The former do not provoke disorders from neighboring organs and tissues. The latter occur quite often, accompanied by a violation of the integrity of not only bone tissue, but also other tissues near the bone.

Taking into account the degree of neglect of the lesion, experts distinguish several types of fractures.

Fracture type	Peculiarities
Open	An open fracture is considered to be quite dangerous. It is accompanied by damage not only to the bone, but also to the skin, maxillary sinuses, mucous membranes
Closed	This type of pathology is accompanied by a violation of the integrity of the bone, but there is no damage to the skin. The condition may worsen slightly, usually the integrity of the bone is restored within a short period of time
Comminuted	One of the most dangerous types of fractures, in which there is not only a fracture of the bone, but also the separation of a fragment from it. As a result, this splinter damages nearby tissues, which can provoke a serious complication.
Subbasal	This type of fracture is also called craniofacial separation, as it does not only compromise the integrity of the bone the upper jaw, but also the skull, which significantly complicates the condition of patients and can even provoke death

The fracture can also be displaced and without displacement. In the first case, only a crack is present on the bone, but its parts are not displaced. In the second, a significant shift is observed, complicating the course of the pathology.

Stages and degrees

Fracture of the upper jaw (treatment of the pathology takes quite a long time) proceeds in 3 stages, regardless of the type of injury. Initially, the patient has acute symptoms but no complications. The patient does not lose consciousness, and external signs are absent or slightly expressed.

At the second stage, the condition worsens, general disorders appear, and external signs appear on the soft tissues, eyes, and oral cavity. This stage is usually accompanied by severe symptoms and complications.

Pathology enters an advanced stage only in the absence of therapy immediately after injury. In this case, the pain becomes unbearable, the condition worsens, complications develop, possibly even a disturbance of consciousness.

Symptoms

Bone trauma is always accompanied by severe symptoms, both external and systemic. Among the external signs, one can distinguish hematomas in the face area, violation of the integrity of soft tissues, bleeding. With an advanced course of the condition, the spread of hematoma is observed throughout the face, especially in the area of ​​the eyes.

Pathology provokes other manifestations:

• Severe pain at the site of injury.
• Headache and dizziness.
• Violation of orientation and coordination of movements.
• Changes in bite and teeth line.
• Change in the shape of the forehead.
• Pathological mobility of the upper jaw.
• Deterioration of respiratory function as a result of changes in the nasal septum and maxillary sinuses.
• Violation of speech as a result of pathological changes in the upper palate.
• Swelling of tissues in the affected area.
• General weakness and lack of performance.
• Inability to eat. In advanced stages, the patient is not even able to take liquid.
• Enhanced work of the salivary glands.
• Nervous disorder with severe pain.
• Sleep disorders that worsen the condition as the patient is unable to sleep due to severe pain.

With advanced fractures, patients may have an increase in body temperature. Patients adhere to bed rest, refuse food. If they eat food, digestive upset is observed, which is associated with insufficient chopping of food in the mouth.

Reasons for the appearance

A fracture of the upper jaw (treatment involves preliminary examination) develops not only as a result of a direct blow to the head or other mechanical impact.

There are other causes and predisposing factors that can trigger bone damage:

• Traffic accidents in which a fracture of not only the upper jaw is possible.
• Fall of a patient from a great height.
• Participation in fights.
• Professional sports such as boxing, other martial arts.
• Inflammatory pathologies of bone tissue.
• A tendency to fracture against the background of bone diseases, for example, with a history of osteoporosis of the patient.
• Lack of vitamins and minerals in food.
• Taking certain medications that cause calcium leaching from the bones and increase their fragility.
• Infectious pathologies with damage to the bones, for example, tuberculosis. In this case, there is a pathological tendency to fractures, even with minor blows and falls.

Metabolic disorders can also become a predisposing factor, since the process of calcium absorption in the body is disrupted, which provokes an increase in bone fragility.

Diagnostics

To clarify the diagnosis and the degree of bone damage, the patient should visit a doctor who will prescribe an examination. Today, several of the most effective methods are used to assess the patient's condition.

A general examination and questioning of the patient is carried out free of charge in a state clinic in order to identify the alleged cause of the violation. If the patient is able to speak, he talks about what happened.

If speech is significantly impaired, the doctor interviews relatives or those who were nearby at the time of the injury. The specialist also examines the skin, determines the degree of tissue swelling and prescribes other examination methods.

A general and biochemical blood test is considered a standard diagnostic method and is carried out in private, public clinics. In private, the cost is approximately 400 rubles.

For the study, blood is taken from a vein, after which the main indicators are determined in laboratory conditions, which make it possible to assess the condition of the patients. There is usually an increased white blood cell count and other signs of inflammation in the blood.

X-ray of the skull bones is considered the most important and effective diagnostic method; it is performed in clinics and has special equipment. The cost of the examination can be 300-600 rubles.

During the procedure, using an X-ray machine, several pictures are taken in different positions, after which the doctor examines them and makes a final diagnosis. X-rays help detect even minor cracks and displacements.

Magnetic resonance imaging is considered one of the complementary and effective methods. It is carried out in clinics with special devices, it helps to study soft tissues in more detail and see possible complications. The cost of diagnostics ranges from 2000-3000 rubles.

Radiography is considered the most effective and informative method, but the patient always needs to undergo a comprehensive examination to assess the general condition.

When to see a doctor

A fracture with damage to the bones of the upper jaw is considered a very dangerous condition and requires timely and proper treatment. When the first signs of a disorder appear after any injury, it is important to visit a traumatologist immediately. Even if you have minor pain or discomfort, you shouldn't ignore the manifestations.

Treatment methods

Pathology requires quick assistance, which will reduce the risk of complications and significantly shorten the rehabilitation period. The first step is to provide assistance before the arrival of the doctor. After that, in a hospital setting, drugs are prescribed and other methods are used.

First aid

In case of a fracture, it is important to step by step take steps to prevent the aggravation of symptoms before an ambulance arrives:

1. It is important to provide the patient with the correct position. If awake, he should sit on a hard surface with his head and torso tilted slightly downward to prevent choking. If the patient has lost consciousness, it is necessary to lay him down and carefully turn his head to one side.
2. An ambulance can be called by another person while the patient is sitting or lying down. If no one is around, you should immediately call a doctor after giving the patient a comfortable position.
3. If possible, it is worth putting a bandage on the affected area if the fracture is open and blood is coming from the wound. If there are dressings and hydrogen peroxide nearby, it is worth moistening the bandages with a solution and applying them carefully to the wound. Do not put pressure on the bones or try to straighten them in any way.

It is not recommended to use any medications before the arrival of the doctor, as the risk of complications and the addition of allergic reactions increases.

Daily regime

A fracture of the upper jaw, the treatment of which is long-term, requires adherence to certain rules to shorten the recovery period and prevent serious complications.

It is important to avoid overwork during the day, to eat only soft foods that do not require chewing. Usually, the first few weeks after the injury, the patient takes any food through the straw. This helps to minimize stress on the jaw.

It is worth avoiding sharp turns of the head, jumping, it is important to give up running and performing complex manipulations that require physical strength. If a person previously lay on his stomach during sleep, then until complete recovery it is worth changing this habit, since complications may develop.

Quite often, patients are advised to wear a fixation bandage for a long period. It eliminates the risk of bone displacement and complications. Do not ignore the recommendation to avoid complications. The daily regimen in patients should be sparing until the integrity of the bones is restored.

Medications

In therapy, drugs are used that alleviate the condition, but do not have a significant effect on the process of bone tissue restoration.

The most effective remedies:

• No-shpa - antispasmodic to eliminate pain and relax smooth muscles in the body. The remedy somewhat relieves pain and helps prevent recurrent spasms. Take tablets 2-3 times a day, 1-2 pieces at a time. The drug is highly effective, the course of therapy lasts up to 10 days. Price - from 80 rubles.
• Spazmalgon Is an effective and potent antispasmodic that is used to relieve severe pain. Usually, a solution is prescribed that acts faster. The patient is injected intramuscularly from 2 to 6 ml of solution per day. The treatment lasts 5-7 days. Price - from 120 rubles.
• Ketorol - an analgesic and anti-inflammatory medication, which is considered very effective and helps to improve the condition, prevent an increase in body temperature. The agent is administered intramuscularly at 1-2 ml per day for 7 days. Longer courses are not prescribed. The price of the product is from 150 rubles.
• Paracetamol prescribed when the body temperature rises as a result of the development of the inflammatory process and in the case when the patient is able to swallow a pill. An effective medicine not only lowers body temperature, but also helps relieve pain. The patient is prescribed 1 to 3 tablets per day, and therapy usually lasts no more than 3 days. Price - from 20 rubles.
• Reosorbilact - solution for replenishing blood volume and blood purification. An effective medicine helps prevent the spread of microbes during inflammation, improves the general condition, and prevents its deterioration in case of severe intoxication. The solution is poured intravenously using a dropper, 200-400 ml per day. The minimum duration of treatment is 5 days, if necessary, the course is extended to 10 days. Price - from 120 rubles.
• Glucose 5%and ascorbic acid - an effective mixture for replenishing the circulating blood volume and preventing depletion as a result of lack of normal nutrition. Such a solution is injected intravenously using a dropper, 200-500 ml per day. For every 200 ml of glucose, 6 ml of ascorbic acid are added. The procedures are repeated daily for 10 days. The price of the product is from 30 rubles. for glucose and from 60 rubles. for ascorbic acid.
• Ceftriaxone - a broad-spectrum antibiotic, which is highly effective and is prescribed to patients in order to prevent the development of complications. With open fractures, the risk of infection increases, so antibacterial medication can significantly reduce the number of complications. The agent is administered intravenously in a stream after preliminary dissolution of the powder in 10-20 ml of sodium chloride 0.9%. The patient receives from 2 to 4 g of the drug per day, depending on the degree of neglect of the inflammation. The treatment lasts up to 2 weeks. The price of the product is from 30 rubles.
• Afobazol - a sedative medication that is used for sleep disturbances and nervous disorders against the background of trauma. The drug is considered very effective, helps to normalize sleep, has sedative properties, and prevents emotional imbalance. The patient takes 1 tablet 2-3 times a day, depending on the degree of the nervous disorder. The treatment lasts no more than 10 days. Price - from 280 rubles.
• Kalcemin - a preparation for saturation of bone tissue with calcium in order to increase its strength. The drug is not prescribed in the acute stage, but it is indicated during the recovery period. The course of therapy lasts up to 2 months, while the patient takes 2-3 tablets per day. Price - from 300 rubles.

  

The use of medications helps to significantly shorten the recovery period and prevent complications. The patient undergoes treatment in a hospital, after which he continues it at home.

Traditional methods

A fracture of the upper jaw (treatment is carried out after assessing the patient's condition) cannot be cured with alternative medicine recipes. However, during the recovery period, when the patient goes home, and most of the bone tissue is restored, you can prepare herbal infusions and decoctions that help improve sleep, as well as general condition.

Valerian rhizome tincture helps relieve emotional stress and improve sleep. It can be prepared from 20 g of dried and crushed root and 150 ml of vodka or alcohol. Infusion is continued for 2 weeks, after which the finished product is taken before bedtime, 30-35 drops. The therapy lasts up to 2 weeks.

Linden decoction is considered a powerful anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agent, stimulates perspiration and helps cleanse the body. For 1 liter of water, you should take 5 g of dry raw materials, cook for 3-5 minutes. After insisting for 30 minutes, the agent should be filtered and taken in 150 ml 2 times a day.

The use of traditional medicine recipes should be coordinated with a specialist. You can not use home formulations in the acute period, when there are severe symptoms, not only from the side of the bone tissue.

Other methods

After partial restoration of the integrity of the bone and healing of soft tissues, patients are prescribed physiotherapy procedures that help accelerate rehabilitation and stimulate the regeneration process.

The most effective of them:

• Paraffin therapy involves the imposition of warm paraffin on the affected area in order to warm up and improve regeneration. The procedure lasts 20-40 minutes, it helps to improve the condition of the tissues and relieves pain. The course consists of 10-15 sessions with a frequency of 2-3 days.
• UFO therapy is also considered to be an effective method for enhancing tissue repair. It is carried out for 4 weeks. The procedure involves exposure of the affected area to ultraviolet rays for 20-30 minutes. Repeat it 2-3 times a week. In each case, the therapy can be prolonged or increased the duration of exposure.
• Electrophoresis - a method of affecting tissues with an electric current using special sensors located on the skin. The procedure helps to improve tissue repair, stimulates regeneration, and helps to relieve residual pain. Treatment is carried out for 20 minutes 3 times a week for a month.

During the recovery period, patients can also be prescribed remedial gymnastics, which will help restore neck muscles that have been weakened as a result of prolonged inactivity during treatment.

Possible complications

In the absence of treatment or improper treatment, violation of recommendations during the recovery period, complications develop:

• The formation of a false joint as a result of improper bone fusion.
• Osteomyelitis.
• Pathological slowing down of bone fusion.
• Changes in bite, dentition, deformation of the upper palate.
• Irreversible changes in the structure of the maxillary sinuses.
• Difficulty breathing.
• The development of a purulent process in bones or soft tissues.
• The spread of infection throughout the body.

Complications can be prevented with the help of timely treatment and adherence to all the doctor's recommendations.

A fracture with damage to the bone of the upper jaw is considered a dangerous and serious condition, requires correct and timely complex treatment. With such a lesion, it is important to immediately consult a doctor who will prescribe treatment depending on the degree of neglect of the condition and the presence of complications.

Upper Jaw Fracture Video

Lefort fractures of the upper jaw: