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Maxillary Fracture: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

A maxillary fracture is a break of the upper jaw bone (maxilla), typically caused by trauma or accidents. It requires immediate medical attention.

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Things worth knowing about "Maxillary fracture"

A maxillary fracture is a break of the upper jaw bone (maxilla), typically caused by trauma or accidents. It requires immediate medical attention.

What is a Maxillary Fracture?

A maxillary fracture is a break of the maxilla, the upper jaw bone that forms a central part of the facial skeleton. The maxilla supports the upper teeth, forms the floor of the eye sockets (orbits), and borders the nasal cavity and sinuses. Maxillary fractures belong to the group of midface fractures and can range from mild to life-threatening in severity.

Causes

Maxillary fractures result from significant blunt force trauma to the face. Common causes include:

Motor vehicle accidents (e.g., impact with the steering wheel or dashboard)
Falls from height
Sports injuries (e.g., contact sports or cycling accidents)
Physical assault or interpersonal violence
Workplace accidents involving heavy machinery

Classification: Le Fort System

Maxillary fractures are commonly classified using the Le Fort classification, which describes three levels of injury:

Le Fort I: A horizontal fracture at the level of the nasal floor, separating the tooth-bearing portion of the upper jaw from the rest of the skull.
Le Fort II: A pyramidal fracture involving the nose and cheekbone region, where the central midface separates from the skull base.
Le Fort III: Complete craniofacial disjunction, where the entire facial skeleton separates from the skull base. This is the most severe form.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a maxillary fracture vary by severity and may include:

Severe facial pain, particularly in the midface region
Swelling and bruising of the face
Altered bite or misalignment of teeth (malocclusion)
Abnormal mobility of the upper jaw (detectable in severe fractures)
Numbness or tingling in the cheeks or lips (nerve involvement)
Nosebleed or leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (in cases involving the skull base)
Visual disturbances or double vision (if the orbit is involved)
Airway compromise in severe cases

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a maxillary fracture involves a clinical examination combined with imaging studies:

Physical examination: Assessment of jaw mobility, swelling, sensory deficits, and dental occlusion.
Computed tomography (CT scan): The gold standard for imaging, providing detailed visualization of fracture lines and involvement of adjacent structures such as the orbits and sinuses.
Panoramic radiograph (OPG): A supplementary dental imaging tool to assess the dentition and alveolar bone.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture, as well as the overall condition of the patient. In emergency situations, securing the airway is the top priority.

Conservative Treatment

Minor, non-displaced fractures may be managed conservatively, for example using dental splints or intermaxillary fixation (wiring the upper and lower jaw together to allow healing).

Surgical Treatment

Displaced or complex fractures require surgical intervention. Under general anesthesia, bone fragments are repositioned (reduced) and stabilized using titanium plates and screws (osteosynthesis). The goal is to restore normal facial proportions, chewing function, and appearance.

Aftercare and Rehabilitation

Following surgery, regular follow-up appointments are necessary. Physical therapy, dietary adjustments (soft food diet), and dental treatments may also be required. Recovery time ranges from several weeks to months depending on injury severity.

Complications

Without timely and appropriate treatment, the following complications may arise:

Malunion of bone with persistent facial asymmetry
Chronic pain or numbness
Respiratory infections (sinusitis, pneumonia)
Visual disturbances due to orbital involvement
Wound infections or osteomyelitis

References

Ziegler CM, Mast G, Ehrenfeld M: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Thieme Publishers, 2019.
Neff A: Midface Fractures. In: Oral, Maxillofacial and Facial Plastic Surgery, Springer Publishers, 2020.
World Health Organization (WHO): Management of Maxillofacial Injuries. WHO Guidelines, 2021.

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