Residual Deformities of the Maxillofacial Region

AbstractA maxillofacial surgeon plays a vital role in not only restoring the structural form of the maxillofacial unit but also aims to restore the pre-traumatic functional status of the patient. Diagnosis and Clinical evaluation with enhanced treatment planning and restoration of aesthetics and function is the key for any maxillofacial surgery. However, it is not always possible to achieve the most appropriate results in all cases. It is not uncommon to see failure or more mediocre outcomes following maxillofacial trauma surgery. The outcome of the primary treatment may depend on factors like the extent of the injury/defect, delay in diagnosis/management, improper treatment plan, lack of use in modern diagnostic/treatment planning utilities, poor execution of treatment plan, inexperience of the surgeon leading to not expecting the eventful deformities, not coordinating with other specialists to yield the most standard and deserving treatment for the patient with restoration of both form and function. Residual deformities are seen following primary treatment of trauma due to one more reason mentioned earlier. Correction of such residual deformities may be challenging to the surgeon but very often a life-changing experience for patients. It is the experience of the surgeon that helps to recognise the challenges ahead in restoring the form and function. Residual deformities are often evaluated by the extent of deformities following primary management. Apart from reasons that may pertain to the experience of the operating surgeon, pathobiology of the healing zone may also contribute to the residual deformities. This chapter discusses in detail about the traumatic residual deformities and its management, also in brief about post-oncosurgical residual deformities.