Complications in the treatment of facial fractures.

The evaluation and treatment of the more common and severe complications of facial fractures are reviewed. This analysis includes such conditions as nonunion and malunion of the maxilla, mandible, and zygoma, temporomandibular ankylosis, diplopia, enophthalmos, hypertelorism, dacrocystitis, and cerebrospinal otorhinorrhea. The discussion attempts to stress the importance of diagnosis regarding cosmesis and functional abnormalities. When possible, the pathophysiology is elucidated and evaluated to decide about methods of prevention. Preferred traditional and improved techniques of management are noted and compared to some of the less satisfactory procedures.