Fractures of the facial skeleton and facial asymmetry

Fractures of the mandible and middle third of the facial skeleton are most commonly the result of road traffic accidents or physical combat (Hagan and Huelke, 1961; van Hoof, Merkx and Stekelenburg, 1977; Starkhammar and Olofsson, 1982; Brook and Wood, 1983). In recent years the introduction of compulsory seat belt legislation has decreased the incidence of these injuries in the UK (Price, 1983; Steele and Little, 1983). In children, falls, accidents while playing and sports injuries are the major causes of facial fractures (Fortunato, Fielding and Guernsey, 1982). The possibility of non-accidental injury should never be overlooked (Rowe, 1969; Hall, 1972). Fractures resulting from complicated dental extractions and pathological lesions of the jaws are seen in all age groups.