Management of Maxillary Fractures

CT scanning and titanium bone plate and screws have become common place in the treatment of most all bone trauma, and this is certainly true in the facial skeleton. This chapter on maxillary fractures highlights the history of maxillary fracture management, as well as the complexity of repair that exists because anatomic variations of fracture patterns and the frequent inclusion of injury to nearby associated structures. As with other types of facial trauma, maxillary fractures are more frequently associated with motor vehicle accidents than with other causes (Haug et al., J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 48:926–932, 1990; Turvey, J Oral Surg. 35:887–891, 1977; Kelly and Harrigan, J Oral Surg. 33:146–149, 1975; Adekeye, Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol. 49:491–495, 1980; Iida et al., Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 30:286–290, 2001). These fractures often occur in conjunction with other facial fractures and are frequently associated with injuries such as lacerations and avulsion to soft tissue, bodily orthopedic injury, and neurologic injury (Haug et al., J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 48:926–932, 1990; Turvey, J Oral Surg. 35:887–891, 1977; Iida et al., Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 30:286–290, 2001; Gassner et al., J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 31:51–61, 2003). Most maxillary fractures occur in young men aged 16–40 years, especially in those between 21 and 25 years of age (Gassner et al., J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 31:51–61, 2003).