Traumatic Brain Injury and Fractures of the Facial Skeleton

Czech version

Authors: O. Bulik ¹; M. Machálka ¹; O. Liberda ¹; R. Foltán ³; R. Jura ³; E. Gelnarová ⁴; T. Pavlík ⁴
Authors‘ workplace: Klinika ústní, čelistní a obličejové chirurgi e LF MU a FN Brno ¹; Stomatologická klinika 1. LF UK a VFN v Praze ²; Ne urologická klinika LF MU a FN Brno ³; Institut bi ostatistiky a analýz, LF a PřF MU, Brno ⁴
Published in: Cesk Slov Neurol N 2008; 71/104(5): 559-564
Category: Short Communication

Overview

Objective:
To identify the occurrence and severity of brain injury in the case of fractures of the facial skeleton and the relationship between the incidence of brain injuries and the cause of the injury and the location of the fracture.

Sample set and methodology:
The work is based on study of a sample of 762 patients with fractures of the facial skeleton. The incidence of brain injury was analysed in relation to individual types of fractures and various mechanisms by which injury took place.

Results:
Brain injuries occurred in 285 patients with fractures of the facial bones (37.4% of the sample) with severe brain injury (cerebral contusion, intracranial haemorrhage, more severe diffuse axonal injury) occurring in 56 patients (19.6%). Brain injury is most common in head injuries suffered in motor vehicle accidents – 68.5% (74 of 108) and in fractures of both jaws – 65% (26 of 40). Severe brain injury occurs most frequently in combination with a fracture of the upper jaw (73.2%, 41 of 56) and injuries suffered in motor vehicle accidents (43%, 24 of 56).

Conclusion:
The most frequent and most severe brain injuries occur in combination with fractures of the upper jaw as a result of motor vehicle accidents. The severity of brain injury relates to the intensity and location of the impact force and it is not possible to prove a protective effect of the facial bones.

Key words:
traumatic brain injuries – fractures of the facial bones

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