Work

Maxillofacial Injuries in Sushruta Samhita : An Ancient Perspective with Modern Relevance

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The Sushruta Samhita , authored around 600 bce by the sage-physician Sushruta, stands as one of the earliest comprehensive texts on surgery, offering profound insights into trauma management—including maxillofacial injuries. This review explores Sushruta’s classification, diagnosis, and treatment of facial trauma, highlighting its striking parallels with modern oral and maxillofacial surgery. Injuries were categorized into types such as cuts, lacerations, perforations, and fractures, closely resembling contemporary classifications. Techniques like manual fracture reduction, splinting, wound suturing, and the use of herbal medicaments for healing reflect early forms of reduction, fixation, and postoperative care. Sushruta’s reconstructive innovations, notably nasal reconstruction and dental prosthetics, underscore his role as a pioneer in plastic and maxillofacial surgery. His emphasis on holistic recovery—including diet, physical rehabilitation, and psychological well-being—aligns with modern multidisciplinary approaches. This ancient perspective offers valuable insights that remain relevant, encouraging integration of traditional and modern evidence-based practices in the management of maxillofacial trauma today.

Source: The Traumaxilla

DOI: 10.1177/26323273251385913

Authors: Vibha Singh, Hemanth Kumar

Institution: King George's Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Facial Trauma and Fracture Management

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $500