Another Saturday Night Facial Injury: Am I Managing These Patients Correctly?

There are a number of potential complications of this injury that must be identified in the ED. List four examination findings that would identify these complications.

Having examined the patient you make a clinical diagnosis of a ZMC fracture. There is no evidence of a zygomatic arch fracture. Your radiology department offers a lateral facial, submentovertical and occipitomental (OM) 15o and 30o views.

Which x ray(s) would you request?

Your examination and subsequent x ray(s) allow you to make a diagnosis of an uncomplicated undisplaced fracture of the left ZMC. You arrange a maxillofacial clinic follow-up for your patient according to local policy.

Outline any pharmacological treatment and your discharge advice for this patient.