What Is a Closed Fracture? Understanding Hidden Facial Injuries

When most people think of fractures, they imagine visible breaks, swelling, or bone protrusions. However, not all fractures are so obvious. A closed fracture is a type of bone break that occurs beneath the skin without any open wound. When it involves the delicate bones of the face, a closed fracture can be difficult to detect but may still have serious consequences if left untreated.
 

What Is a Closed Fracture?

A closed fracture means the bone is broken but does not pierce through the skin. This makes the injury less visible compared to an open fracture, where the bone or wound is exposed. In facial injuries, closed fractures are particularly concerning because they can affect bone alignment, breathing, vision, and even long-term facial appearance without showing obvious external signs.
 

Common Causes of Facial Closed Fractures

Facial fractures can occur from a variety of situations, including:

• Sports injuries - Contact sports or high-impact activities.
• Accidents - Falls, car accidents, or workplace incidents.
• Physical trauma - Blunt force to the face from an object or collision.

Because the skin often remains intact, these injuries may initially go unnoticed or mistaken for bruising or swelling.
 

Symptoms to Watch For

Even without an open wound, closed facial fractures can cause significant symptoms, such as:

• Swelling and bruising around the eyes, nose, or cheeks
• Pain or tenderness when touching the area
• Difficulty opening the mouth or chewing
• Vision changes, including double vision
• Numbness in the face due to nerve involvement

If you experience any of these signs after an injury, it’s important to seek professional evaluation.
 

How Closed Fractures Are Diagnosed

Since closed fractures aren’t always visible from the outside, advanced imaging is often required. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons use X-rays, CT scans, or other diagnostic tools to identify the fracture, assess its severity, and determine the best course of treatment.
 

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type and location of the fracture:

• Observation - Minor, non-displaced fractures may heal naturally with monitoring.
• Stabilization - Splints or support devices may be used to aid proper healing.
• Surgical intervention - Severe or displaced fractures may require surgical repair to restore function and appearance.

Proper treatment not only ensures healing but also helps prevent long-term complications such as chronic pain, breathing issues, or facial asymmetry.
 

Trust Oral Surgical Associates With Your Recovery

Closed fractures may not break the skin, but they should never be overlooked - especially when involving the face. Because the signs can be subtle, professional evaluation is essential for proper diagnosis and care.
 

If you’ve suffered a facial injury or suspect you may have a hidden fracture, the specialists at Oral Surgical Associates are here to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation and ensure your recovery is handled with expert care. Visit our office in Missoula or Hamilton, Montana, or call (406) 282-8768 to book an appointment today.