In the 2000s, Kanye West established himself as one of the most influential hip-hop artists. Although he has been controversial in recent years, he has gained attention through rapping, producing, fashion, and songwriting.
Yet Kanye’s influential rap career was shaped by a life-changing event, a car crash in which he nearly lost his life. It was this tragic accident that inspired Kanye West to write and rap “Through the Wire”, which launched his rap career. As a result of the accident that Kanye sustained, his jaw was separated into three parts, requiring surgery and wiring. It will review the accident’s background, the reconstruction surgery he underwent on his jaw, and how such a thing could happen in sports.
A brief background
The Black Eyed Peas, Beanie Sigel, Peedi Crakk, and The Black Eyed Peas had been working with Kanye West at his California studio around 3 AM on October 23, 2002. Due to the time of night, he fell asleep at the wheel, which caused his vehicle to crash in West Hollywood, breaking his nasal bones and breaking his jaw into three pieces. He was rushed to the hospital, underwent jaw surgery, and had to have his jaw wired shut for 6 weeks. In only two weeks after being released from the hospital, he began recording his verses for “Through the Wire” in a studio.
He recalls his near-death experience, in which he said essentially that the accident spoke to him, “I am about to give you the world, but you know I can take it away at any time.” As a rapper, I nearly lost my life, nearly lost my mouth, my voice, my entire face… and I had to be on TV! My face looks crazy to me now… But I have to just thank God for the situation that I am in… The song “Through The Wire” is the worst thing I could have ever experienced, and now it’s the best thing.” It served as a hit single for West’s debut album The College Dropout, which won him a Grammy for “Best Rap Album” in 2005.
Fractured Jaw
During Kanye West’s car accident, his jaw completely shattered into three pieces, which is considered a jaw fracture injury. The second most common facial fracture is a fractured jaw, which comprises 40% to 50% of all facial fractures. Swelling and bruising are symptoms of less severe cases than West’s. A jaw fracture, also known as a mandibular fracture, occurs about 60% of the time. Trauma is most commonly the cause, occurring in situations like:
- Industrial accident
- Motor vehicle accident
- Assault
- Sports or recreational activities
- Trips or falls
- Dental or medical procedures
Condyline fractures occur at a rate of 36%, body fractures at a rate of 21%, angle fractures at a rate of 20%, and symphysis fractures at a rate of 14%. When jaw fractures are less severe than West’s, surgery is not required immediately, but rather is performed a few days later after the fracture has healed. Traumatic malocclusion is characterized by pain around the jaw and an unbalanced feeling in the teeth. In addition to being extremely sensitive to pressure, teeth experience drastic changes in any way they are treated. An injury to the lower lip could cause numbness in the lower lip as well as swelling. Other symptoms of a fractured jaw include difficulty opening the mouth or closing it and even numbness in the tongue.
Jaw Injuries in Sports
Contact sports such as boxing, football, rugby, and martial arts are among the most common causes of jaw injuries in sports. Minor bruising and soft tissue damage, as well as fractures and dislocations, are common injuries. Fractures of the jaw, or mandibular fractures, are among the most serious injuries.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause a jaw dislocation by moving the mandible out of its normal position. A jaw dislocation can cause intense pain, difficulty closing the mouth, and difficulty speaking or chewing for athletes. A jaw injury is usually treated by stabilizing it, sometimes by using a brace or wire, and in more severe cases, by surgery. Injuries can have different recovery times, and athletes may require rehabilitation before regaining full jaw function.
Prevention
Mouthguards and helmets are two items of protective gear that can help prevent jaw injuries, particularly in sports. A mouthguard helps absorb impact and reduces fracture and dislocation risks in contact sports. It is possible to reduce the likelihood of injury and increase the ability to endure impacts by training and conditioning properly.
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Conclusion
Injury to the jaw can be life-threatening and debilitating, which is why it requires prompt attention and appropriate treatment. Sports-related injuries, accidents, or other causes may result in long-term damage if not understood and treated properly.
