Maxillofacial Injuries in <i>Sushruta Samhita</i> : 
An Ancient Perspective with Modern Relevance

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.