Maxillofacial Surgery

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this topic, learners should be able to:

1. Identify common maxillofacial surgical conditions and their indications.

2. Understand surgical techniques for facial fractures, jaw reconstruction, and dental surgeries.

3. Recognize post-operative complications and nursing priorities.

4. Apply perioperative care principles specific to maxillofacial surgery.

 Key Glossary Terms

1. Mandibular Fracture Repair

• Definition: Surgical stabilization of broken jawbones using plates, screws, or wiring

• Indications: Trauma, pathological fractures

• Post-Op Considerations: Airway assessment, diet modification, pain management, infection prevention

2. Maxillary Fracture Repair

• Definition: Surgical correction of upper jaw fractures

• Indications: Facial trauma, malocclusion

• Post-Op Considerations: Airway monitoring, oral hygiene, edema control

3. Orbital and Zygomatic Surgery

• Definition: Surgical repair of orbital floor and cheekbone fractures

• Indications: Trauma, cosmetic reconstruction

• Post-Op Considerations: Vision monitoring, swelling management, infection prevention

4. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Surgery

• Definition: Surgical intervention on the TMJ for pain relief or dysfunction

• Indications: Arthritis, trauma, chronic dislocation

• Post-Op Considerations: Pain management, diet modification, physiotherapy

5. Dental and Orthognathic Surgery

• Definition: Corrective surgery for jaw alignment, cleft palate, or impacted teeth

• Indications: Malocclusion, congenital deformities, trauma

• Post-Op Considerations: Oral hygiene, diet, infection prevention

6. Post-Operative Complications

• Airway compromise

• Bleeding and hematoma

• Infection

• Malocclusion or functional impairment

• Nerve injury (facial nerve, infraorbital nerve)

7. Nursing & Medical Student Focus

• Nursing: Airway management, bleeding control, oral care, pain management, infection prevention

• Medical Students: Maxillofacial anatomy, fracture repair principles, post-op complications, airway emergencies

8. Maxillofacial Surgery Mnemonics

• “FACE” for post-op care:

  • F – Facial nerve assessment

  • A – Airway monitoring

  • C – Circulation and bleeding monitoring

  • E – Edema and infection prevention

• “JAW” for mandibular fracture care:

  • J – Jaw immobilization

  • A – Airway check

  • W – Wound care and hygiene

 Tables

Table 1: Common Maxillofacial Surgeries

Table 2: Post-Operative Nursing Care in Maxillofacial Surgery