Imaging of Facial Fractures

Facial trauma is a common presentation to the emergency department, usually as a result of a blunt trauma. The trauma can range from a simple, isolated nondisplaced fracture to complex displaced facial fractures. Multiple fracture patterns have been described that make it easier to efficiently detect, document, and communicate the diagnosis in patients with multiple fractures. René Le Fort made the earliest and most famous classification in 1901, and since that time, multiple other fracture patterns have been described. While these can be present in pure form, often they coexist, particularly in the setting of high-impact trauma. Paralleling this development in facial trauma classification has been that of surgical fixation. After the advent of antibiotics, the most commonly used treatment of complex facial fractures is open reduction. A primary reason for improvement in surgical treatment of facial fractures is the introduction and refinement of the concept of functional units of the face.