The Use of Spiral Computerized Tomography in the Diagnosis of Middle –Third Facial Fractures as Compared to Plain Radiography

Abstract

Background: Trauma is one of the most common
clinical problems that confront the maxillofacial
surgeon and radiologist alike. Middle third facial
fractures are diagnosed primarily on the bases of
clinical examination and plain radiographs than can
result in much preoperative speculation.
Objective: To assess the advantages of spiral
computerized tomography over conventional
radiography in the pre-surgical evaluation of middle
third facial fractures.
Methods: Thirty patients with thirty-eight facial
fractures were studied, all patients were examined
clinically, by plain radiography and then by spiral CT.
Results: Of the 38 middle-third fractures, 16
(42.1%) were zygomatic fractures, 8 (21.1%) were
LeFort fractures, 6 (15.8%) were residual deformities,
4 (10.5%) were orbital blow-out fractures and 4
(10.5%) were naso-ethmoidal injuries.
Conclusion: Improved diagnosis of fracture lines,
specific patterns of comminution in mid-face
fractures, direction of displacement of fracture
fragments and the associated soft tissue changes made
possible with spiral CT.