CT evaluation and classification of the Le Fort fracture / 中华放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the CT findings and classification of the Le Fort fracture. Methods Sixty-two cases with Le Fort fractures were studied with thin-slice high-resolution CT scanning and analyzed with three-dimensional(3D)imaging reconstruction.Results Of the 62 patients,10 had Le Fort type Ⅰ fracture,9 had Le Fort type Ⅱ fracture,8 had Le Fort type Ⅲ fracture,and 35 had various combinations of the three types of Le Fort fractures,including 18 Le Fort Ⅰ+Ⅱ fracture,7 Le Fort Ⅰ+ Ⅱ+Ⅲ fracture and 10 Le Fort Ⅱ+Ⅲ fracture.Fifty-five cases had associated multiple fractures in the maxillofacial region.On 2D CT images,Le Fort fracture manifested as multiple and complex fractures. Though 2D image was better than 3D image in accurately defining tiny fractures and fractures of deep structures,the diagnosis of Le Fort fracture could not be correctly made solely on 2D image.3D CT clearly and stereoscopically demonstrated the entire shape and orientation of Le Fort fracture,thus facilitating the correct classification of Le Fort fracture.Conclusion 3D CT image is important in providing information about the space relationship of Le Fort fracture,thus very valuable for the preoperative planning.