The significance of tracheostomy in the management of fractures of the facial skeleton.

Although tracheostomy in relation to maxillofacial injuries has been performed for a long time, opinions differ about the necessity and indications for this procedure. In the present study 44 cases of tracheostomy in patients with maxillofacial trauma are reported and the results analysed. The case for tracheostomy, the indications and contra-indications are presented and discussed.