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| Courtesy of Jeffrey Beall from Wikipedia |
Given bleeding from the mouth, there is the possibility of an open fracture extending into the mouth, though it could also be from a self-inflected bite when Huber got hit.
Unlike most facial fractures that do NOT require any surgical intervention, most jaw fractures do need to be surgically repaired and typically entail wiring the jaw shut. Often, a metal plate with screws will be utilized to stabilize the fracture as well.
The reason the jaw is wired shut is so that as the broken bone heals, it heals in such a way that the way the teeth comes together is normal (in essence, the teeth act as the cast for the jaw fracture). Of course, eating is limited to liquid diet and dental care is important as brushing the teeth thoroughly will be impossible.
Also, it is easier to precisely place the metal plates after the jaw is wired shut. In Huber's case, metal plates will almost certainly be utilized as it allows for faster healing, sooner removal of jaw wiring, and quicker return to normalcy.
The wires holding the jaw shut can be removed after a few weeks, but exact duration depends on the fracture location and severity.
With this type of facial fracture, it will be unclear when exactly he will be able to return play.
Source:
SEE IT: Bengals punter Kevin Huber fractures jaw after taking hit from Steelers' Terence Gavin. NY Daily News 12/15/13
