Tratamento de urgência nas fraturas da face [Title in english no available]

Abstract

During a first stage one should not hesitate to institute the followings measures for the maintenance of the patient’s vital functions: 1. Prevention of asphyxia: Adequate position of the patient, traction of tongue, removal of all mechanical obstruction, insertion of an adequate artificial airway, or tracheotomy. 2. Control of hemorrhage: Iocal pressure, pressure packs, clamping or ligation of bleeding vessels, should be performed according to available facilities. 3. Treatment of hemorrhagic shock: rest, adequate position to restore good blood circulation to the brain, maintenance of body temperature and restoration of lost blood volume. 4. Specific serum therapy: it is advisable to take the necessary prophylatic steps against tetanus for all patients with fracture. During a second stage one should be concerned with: relieve of pain and in combating infection; minor surgical procedures; reduction and fixation of fractures; suturing of soft tissues and treatment of surface injuries. Treatment must not follow the above sequence invariably, for it may vary according to individual cases, Help from a neurologist should be secked if the patient presents neurological problems.