Expert surgical treatment of facial fractures and jaw injuries. Open reduction and internal fixation using titanium plates — restoring bite, function, and facial form.
Maxillofacial trauma refers to any injury to the bones and soft tissues of the face, jaws, and mouth resulting from road traffic accidents, falls, assault, sports injuries, or workplace accidents. The face contains a complex arrangement of bones — the mandible (lower jaw), maxilla (upper jaw), zygoma (cheekbone), orbital bones (eye socket), nasal bones, and the skull base — all of which can sustain fractures from sufficient force.
Maxillofacial trauma surgery is the specialty focused on diagnosing and surgically repairing these injuries. The goals of surgery are to restore the patient's bite (dental occlusion), re-establish normal facial height and projection, ensure airway safety, and allow early return to normal function with minimal pain.
Dr. Abhisek Chatterjee performs maxillofacial trauma surgery at Asha Nursing Home and Rampurhat Government Medical College & Hospital, with access to facilities for CT imaging, general anaesthesia, and intraoperative titanium fixation systems.
Dr. Chatterjee manages the full spectrum of facial fractures, from isolated mandibular fractures to complex panfacial trauma.
The mandible (lower jaw) is the most commonly fractured facial bone. Fractures may occur at the symphysis, parasymphysis, body, angle, ramus, or condyle. Surgical fixation with titanium mini-plates restores bite alignment and allows early jaw movement.
Le Fort fractures of the upper jaw are classified by level of involvement (Le Fort I, II, III). They commonly result from high-velocity impacts and require surgical reduction and fixation to restore midface height, projection, and dental occlusion.
Fractures of the zygoma (cheekbone) and zygomatic arch cause cheek flattening, periorbital swelling, and restricted mouth opening. Surgical elevation and fixation restores facial contour and normal jaw function.
Fractures of the mandibular condyle affect the joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. Management depends on fracture displacement and may include closed reduction with physiotherapy or open surgical reduction and internal fixation.
Complex multi-level facial fractures involving the upper, middle, and lower face simultaneously. Panfacial trauma requires careful systematic surgical planning and staged or simultaneous fixation of all fracture components to restore facial height, width, and projection.
Following any facial injury, seek immediate evaluation at an emergency department or contact Dr. Chatterjee if you experience any of the following:
The gold standard for surgical management of displaced facial fractures.
CT scan of the facial skeleton with 3D reconstruction is the standard imaging for facial fractures. This defines fracture pattern, displacement, and surgical planning. Dental occlusion (bite alignment) is assessed clinically to guide fixation strategy.
Maxillofacial trauma surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia with nasal or submental intubation (to allow dental occlusion to be checked during surgery). Simple isolated condylar fractures may sometimes be managed under local anaesthesia with sedation.
Incisions are placed inside the mouth (intraoral) wherever possible to avoid visible facial scars. For zygomatic and orbital fractures, small incisions may be placed in the lower eyelid skin crease, eyebrow, or scalp. The soft tissues are elevated to expose the underlying fractured bone.
The displaced bone fragments are repositioned (reduced) into their correct anatomical position and held in place with titanium mini-plates and screws. Titanium is the material of choice because it is strong, lightweight, biocompatible, and not affected by MRI scanning. The dental bite is verified intraoperatively by placing the teeth into occlusion.
Following fixation of mandibular fractures, the upper and lower teeth may be wired or held together with elastic bands (intermaxillary fixation) for a period of 4–6 weeks. This provides additional stability during bone healing and ensures the bite heals in the correct position.
Postoperative care includes antibiotics, analgesics, chlorhexidine oral rinse, and dietary modification to soft and liquid foods. Regular follow-up appointments monitor healing, with X-rays or OPG at 6–8 weeks to confirm bone union. Physiotherapy exercises are prescribed to restore normal jaw opening range.
Hospital stay of 1–3 days. Significant swelling and bruising. Liquid diet only. Antibiotics and pain medication as prescribed. Oral hygiene with chlorhexidine rinse. Elevation of head while sleeping reduces swelling.
Swelling gradually resolves. If intermaxillary fixation (IMF) is in place, jaw remains closed with elastics or wires. Continuation of liquid diet during this period. Return to desk work and light activities is usually possible.
IMF is released at approximately 6 weeks. Soft diet progressed to normal diet gradually. Jaw physiotherapy exercises begin to restore full mouth opening range. X-ray or OPG confirms bone union. Numbness in the chin or lip (if present) gradually improves over months.
Bone fully consolidated. Full normal diet resumed. Any residual swelling has settled. Dental review for any teeth damaged in the injury. Long-term follow-up at 6 months and 1 year to assess occlusion and facial contour.
Postgraduate surgical training specifically in oral and maxillofacial surgery — not a general dentist or general surgeon performing facial fracture repair.
Surgical access at Asha Nursing Home and Rampurhat Govt. Medical College & Hospital, with anaesthesia, imaging, and ICU support for complex trauma cases.
Specialist maxillofacial trauma surgery in Rampurhat, accessible to patients from Birbhum, Murshidabad, Bolpur, Suri, Nalhati, and surrounding districts.
Accepts both emergency trauma referrals and elective cases where surgical intervention has been recommended but not yet performed.
Maxillofacial trauma surgery has historically been available primarily in Kolkata or other large cities, leaving patients in Birbhum and neighbouring districts with limited access to specialist care after serious facial injuries.
Dr. Abhisek Chatterjee provides specialist maxillofacial trauma surgical services at Rampurhat, serving patients from Birbhum, Murshidabad, Bolpur, Nalhati, Suri, Dumka, Deoghar, and surrounding areas. Both emergency trauma admissions and referrals from district hospitals and general practitioners are accepted.
For urgent facial trauma cases or referrals, contact Dr. Chatterjee at:
Asha Nursing Home & Rampurhat Govt. Medical College, Birbhum, West Bengal
Contact Dr. Abhisek Chatterjee for urgent evaluation of maxillofacial trauma. Specialist surgical care available in Rampurhat, Birbhum.