November 14, 2013

Actor Zac Efron Broke His Jaw

Image by Liam Mendes from Wikipedia
This past weekend, actor Zac Efron slipped in a puddle of water outside his home and fell resulting in a severe facial cut as well as a broken jaw. [link]

Unlike most facial fractures that do NOT require any surgical intervention, most jaw fractures do need to be surgically repaired and typically entail wiring the jaw shut. Often, a metal plate with screws will be utilized to stabilize the fracture as well.

The reason the jaw is wired shut is so that as the broken bone heals, it heals in such a way that the way the teeth comes together is normal (in essence, the teeth act as the cast for the jaw fracture). Of course, eating is limited to liquid diet and dental care is important as brushing the teeth thoroughly will be impossible.

The wires holding the jaw shut can be removed after a few weeks, but exact duration depends on the fracture location and severity.


Source:
Zac Efron broke his jaw this weekend. CNN 11/13/13

Fauquier blog
Fauquier ENT

Dr. Christopher Chang is a private practice otolaryngology, head & neck surgeon specializing in the treatment of problems related to the ear, nose, and throat. Located in Warrenton, VA about 45 minutes west of Washington DC, he also provides inhalant allergy testing/treatment, hearing tests, and dispenses hearing aids.


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