The primary treatment of frontobasal and midfacial fractures in patients with head injuries.

The timing of operation can be especially difficult when frontobasal fractures are combined with other head injuries and midfacial injuries. In these cases, the head injury represents a considerable hazard to the patient and therefore it is mandatory to avoid any additional strain that might be caused by treating the midfacial injury first. On the other hand, because of poorer results with the secondary treatment, the surgical therapy for midfacial injuries should be achieved as early as possible. This report describes the results obtained in 68 patients managed over a period of 5 years and discusses their definite primary treatment. It emphasizes the need for close cooperation between the various surgical specialties involved.