Bony injuries in association with minor head injury: lessons for improving the diagnosis of facial fractures

Injury. 1994 Jan;25(1):47-9. doi: 10.1016/0020-1383(94)90184-8.

Abstract

One hundred consecutive admissions for minor head injury over a 12-week period in 1992 were analysed for all associated bony injuries. Fractures of the facial bones were found to be the commonest concurrent injury. A number of these were missed in the Accident and Emergency Department either due to inadequate radiographic views or incomplete recognition of clinical and radiological findings. A protocol for assessment of injury to the head and face is suggested.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Clinical Protocols
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / complications*
  • Facial Bones / injuries*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Trauma / diagnosis*
  • Skull Fractures / complications
  • Skull Fractures / diagnosis*
  • Skull Fractures / etiology