kaaktrauma

Kaaktrauma is a term used to describe injury to the jaw region, including the mandible and the temporomandibular joint. It encompasses fractures of the jaw, dental injuries, soft tissue damage, and joint injuries, and results from forces such as blunt trauma, falls, vehicle accidents, sports injuries, or interpersonal violence.

Common injuries include mandibular fractures (occurring at the symphysis, parasymphysis, body, angle, or condyle), dentoalveolar injuries, and jaw dislocations, along with facial soft tissue lacerations. Symptoms typically include jaw pain and swelling, deformity or malocclusion, limited mouth opening (trismus), tooth mobility or loss, and possible numbness if a facial nerve or the inferior alveolar nerve is affected.

Diagnosis relies on history and examination, assessment of bite alignment, and imaging. Panoramic radiographs are often used initially, with CT or CBCT providing detailed information about fracture patterns, displacement, and joint involvement.

Management begins with standard trauma assessment, pain control, tetanus prophylaxis, and infection prevention. Stable injuries may be treated with immobilization using intermaxillary fixation or arch bars, while displaced fractures often require open reduction and internal fixation. TMJ dislocations are usually reduced manually. Dental injuries follow standard dental trauma protocols. Antibiotics may be used for contaminated wounds or fractures, and complex cases are typically managed by a maxillofacial surgeon.

Complications can include malocclusion, infection, nonunion or malunion, sensory changes from nerve injury, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, and osteomyelitis. Most jaw injuries heal with appropriate treatment, but prognosis depends on fracture type and displacement. Prevention focuses on protective gear, mouthguards in sports, and fall and accident prevention strategies.