Maxillofacial trauma sits at the crossroads of airway risk, haemorrhage, and long-term functional outcome. This episode explores injuries to the face, jaws, and soft tissues — where swelling, bleeding, and distorted anatomy can rapidly compromise the airway.

We examine assessment priorities, including airway protection, cervical spine precautions, and haemorrhage control. The episode covers fractures of the mandible, maxilla, orbit, and nasal structures, alongside dental injury and soft tissue trauma. Attention is also given to imaging strategies and the coordination required between trauma, maxillofacial, ENT, and anaesthetic teams.

This chapter reinforces that in facial trauma, early decisions prioritise survival — while careful planning preserves speech, vision, mastication, and appearance.

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