The evaluation of a facial fracture begins with a medical history and physical examination.

Physical findings in those with facial fractures may include:

• Facial tenderness
• Facial swelling
• Facial bruising
• Crepitus (a spongy feeling due to fractured bone or air in the tissues)
• Deformity of the nose or face
• Inability to move the eyes normally (double vision)
• Inability to close the teeth normally (malocclusion)
• Lack of symmetry of facial movement
• Severe tenderness over a bone

Tests are required to evaluate facial fractures.

Tests that may be used to evaluate facial fractures include:

• Facial bone x-rays
• CT scanning of the brain
• CT scanning of the facial bones
• MRI scan of the face
• Dental x-rays
• Eye examination

For more information:

• Dental fracture evaluation
• Jaw dislocation evaluation
• Jaw fracture evaluation
• Nasal bone fracture evaluation