motor vehicles accidents a top cause of facial injuries

Even though cars and trucks are safer than ever before, thousands of people in Maryland and across the U.S. are seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents each year. Many of these victims suffer facial trauma.

CAR ACCIDENT FACIAL INJURIES

According to a study published in the journal Annals of Advances in Automotive Medicine, car accidents are one of the top causes of severe facial injuries worldwide. While seat belts, air bags and other auto safety features greatly reduce the risk of crash-related facial trauma, they can’t prevent all head injuries.

Some of the most common facial injuries caused by motor vehicle crashes include:

• Facial fractures, such as a broken jaw, shattered cheek bones or cracked teeth
• Facial soft tissue injuries, such as torn or lacerated skin
• Facial burns due to heat or chemicals
• Eye injuries due to blunt force trauma or penetrating trauma
• Airway injuries due to nose or throat trauma

TREATMENT OF FACIAL INJURIES

The face is a delicate area with over a dozen bones and many blood vessels, muscles, nerves, glands and sensory organs. Injuries to the facial region can lead to heavy bleeding, loss of function, loss of sensation and disfigurement.

Emergency treatment of facial injuries may include CT scans, stitches, resetting of bones, dental work, reconstructive surgery and plastic surgery. Depending on the severity of a victim’s injuries, long-term treatments could be required. For example, children dealing with face trauma could require multiple surgeries, as their facial bones and skulls have not fully developed. Meanwhile, people who suffer burns or other types of disfigurement might experience depression and anxiety, requiring the support of mental health professionals.