Skull and facial fractures are broken bones of the head and
face. There are two major types of skull fractures: - Open skull
fracture—part of the scalp is torn - Closed skull fracture—the
scalp is intact Facial fractures can occur in any of the face’s
bones. This includes: - Maxillary fracture—upper jaw area - Le
Fort fracture—fracture of the upper jaw area and other facial
structure, like nasal and oral cavities and orbits (classified
I-V depending on the specific bones involved) - Mandible
fracture—lower jaw fracture - Zygomatic fracture—cheekbone
fracture These fractures are potentially life-threatening
conditions. They require immediate medical treatment. Skull
and/or facial fractures are caused by injuries. Most commonly
from: - Car accident - Sports injury - Domestic violence, child
or elder abuse - Blunt trauma These will depend on the location
and extent of the injury. Your doctor will look for the
following: Signs of injury to the brain: - Leaking cerebrospinal
fluid - Increased pressure in the brain