What are facial bone fractures?

A facial bone fracture is a break in a bone in your face. Facial bone fractures are also called 'maxillofacial fractures'.

Common facial bone fractures are:

• nasal fracture (broken nose)
• mandibular fracture (broken jaw) — sometimes your teeth can also be affected
• orbital fracture (broken eye socket)
• zygomatic fracture (broken cheekbone)

The bones in your face are thinner than many other bones in your body. They may break more easily than other bones, especially in children. You can have more than one facial bone fracture at a time.

What symptoms are related to facial bone fractures?

Symptoms of facial bone fractures depend on which area of your face is affected.

General symptoms include pain and swelling.

Broken nose symptoms include:

• bleeding from your nose
• difficulty breathing through your nose
• your nose being a different shape

Symptoms of a broken jaw include:

• pain or numbness around your jaw
• difficulty moving your jaw or opening your mouth
• difficulty bringing your teeth together (malocclusion)
• broken, loose or missing teeth

Symptoms of a fractured eye socket are:

• bruising around your eye (sometimes called 'panda eye')
• blurry vision or decreased vision
• double vision
• numbness around your eye socket

Symptoms of a cheekbone fracture include:

• swelling around your cheekbone
• an uneven cheekbone

Some facial bone fractures can change the appearance of your face or make it hard for you to do things.

What causes facial bone fractures?

Facial bone fractures are usually the result of an injury caused by:

• accidents, such as car accidents or workplace accidents
• sports injuries
• falls, which happen more often in older people and children
• a physical assault, such as a direct knock to the face

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor as soon as possible if you think you have a facial bone fracture. Anyone who has had a head injury should see a doctor.

See your doctor if your injuries are not healing as expected or if you develop new symptoms.

When to seek urgent care

Some facial bone fractures need urgent medical treatment.

Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance, or go to your nearest hospital emergency department, if you or someone near you:

• has bone visible through the skin
• has a deep facial wound and the bleeding can't be stopped
• has an injured face that is an unusual colour or shape
• has an eye injury
• has an injury that may block the airway
• is unconscious

What should I do while waiting for the ambulance?

While you are waiting for the ambulance, give first aid.

To make sure the person has a clear airway:

• Check if their mouth and throat are clear.
• If the airway is clear, leave them in the position you found them in.
• If needed, roll the patient onto their side and clear their airway with your fingers.
• Gently tilt their head back and lift their chin to clear their airway.

First aid for a facial injury:

• Apply pressure to any bleeding with a clean cloth or dressing.
• If there is an embedded object in the wound, such as a long piece of glass or a stick, leave it where it is — removing it could cause more damage or increase bleeding.
• Apply firm pressure around the edges of an embedded object to help control bleeding.
• Do not put any pressure on the object itself.
• Place padding around the object to prevent the object from moving.

How are facial bone fractures assessed and diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and examine you. They may ask you to describe what happened at the time of the injury. They may also:

• gently press on the bones of your face to work out the extent of injury
• look into your eyes to check your eyesight
• check your nose for obstruction (blockage)
• check for signs of head injury and concussion
• check for spinal injuries

Depending on your injuries, your doctor may recommend tests, such as:

• an x-ray
• a CT scan
• an MRI scan

Your doctor may refer you to specialists, such as:

• a maxillofacial surgeon
• an ophthalmologist (eye doctor)
• an ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor
• a dentist or dental practitioner

How are facial bone fractures treated?

Treatment of facial bone fractures depends on your specific injury.

General treatment may include:

• pain-relief medicines
• control of bleeding
• treatment to reduce swelling
• treating cuts and grazes
• antibiotics to prevent infection

Hospital treatment and surgery may be needed for serious facial bone fractures.

How are nose fractures treated?

You probably won't need treatment if:

• you can breathe through both nostrils
• your nose bones are where they're supposed to be
• your nose fracture is mild

If your injury pushed your nose bones out of place, your doctor may 'reduce' the fracture. This means putting the bones back in their normal position.

The bones will also be 'fixed'. This means keeping the bones in place to stop more injury.

If you have a severe nose fracture, you will need surgery.

Learn about first-aid for nosebleeds, mouth and tongue cuts. Your doctor may need to provide you with additional treatment for a bleeding nose.

How is a fractured jaw treated?

Your doctor may 'reduce' your broken jaw. This means putting the bones back in their normal position.

The bones will also be 'fixed' with titanium plates. This helps to keep the bones in place to stop more injury.

How is a fractured eye socket treated?

You may need surgery for some eye socket fractures.

How is a fractured cheekbone treated?

Your doctor may 'reduce' your fractured jaw. This means putting the bones back in their normal position.

The bones will also be 'fixed' with plates and screws. This helps to keep your bones in place and stop more injury.

Self-care at home

While your bone is healing, it's important to:

• follow your doctor's instructions for limiting movement while your bone is healing
• eat a healthy diet
• quit smoking or vaping — smoking can delay bone healing

What are the complications of facial bone fractures?

Complications of facial bone injuries can include:

• bruising or bleeding
• changed facial appearance
• problems with your eyesight, smell, hearing and taste

In children, a jawbone fracture can sometimes injure the growth plate. This is the area of the bone that is responsible for growth. This is usually not a problem if the fracture is treated early.

Can facial bone fractures be prevented?

There are some steps you can take to help prevent facial injuries, such as:

• wearing protective gear when playing sport (such as mouthguards, eyewear and helmets)
• wearing a seatbelt when in a vehicle
• driving a vehicle fitted with airbags
• making changes to prevent falls, especially in older people

Resources and support

• Visit Kidsafe Australia to find out how to prevent accidents involving children.
• For first-aid information and fact sheets in English and other languages, visit St John Ambulance Australia. You can also call them on 1300 785 646.
• Call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support.
• 1800RESPECT is the National Sexual Assault, Family & Domestic Violence Counselling Service. Call 1800 737 732 for confidential information, counselling and support.
• You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.