Facial and Skull Base Fractures

CT is the standard of care for patients with craniofacial trauma and suspected fractures. Accurate yet efficient reporting of facial and skull base fractures helps the treating clinician understand the patterns and severity of injury. Facial fractures are conceptualized into regions important for form and/or function: frontal sinus, orbital, nasal skeleton, palatoalveolar, mandibular, and the complex midfacial patterns described as Le Fort, naso-orbitoethmoid, and zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures. Skull base fractures are also divided by region (anterior/frontobasal, lateral/temporal bone, posterior, and transsphenoidal combinations) but should be described with particular anatomic details relevant to cerebrospinal fluid leak and neurovascular structure injury. This chapter will guide you through these facial and skull base fracture patterns with an emphasis on clinically relevant reporting.