Trauma is a serious problem in the head and neck since the face and jaw can be damaged and the airway jeopardized with trachea injury. Tracheotomy can be required.

We must stabilize the victim and proceed to surgery to repair facial fractures in order to restore the bite and facial contour.

Congenital defects such as cleft lip and palate are seen in our practice. Cleft palates appear to cause ear difficulties from poor Eustachian tube function.

Nasal deformity accounts for much of the future difficulty with these clefts, since the septum and the side  walls of the nose control so much of the airway.