Abstract
The initial evaluation of the craniofacial trauma patient must be systematic, thorough,
and consistent to ensure that injuries are not missed. Life-threatening conditions
are first identified using ATLS principles, and focused head and neck examination
conducted by a specialist then follows. Imaging is used to guide operative planning,
as many craniofacial injuries ultimately benefit from repair to prevent permanent
cosmetic or functional deformity. Peri-operative care is often multi-disciplinary
in nature, and specialist consultation should be performed in an efficient fashion.
Finally, it should be noted that surgeons operating in the maxillofacial region are
at high risk for transmission of COVID-19, and risk of COVID-19 sequelae must be balanced
with risks associated with the delay of treatment of craniofacial injury.
Keywords
facial trauma - initial assessment - head and neck examination - facial evaluation
