Helical CT diagnosis of maxillofacial fractures associated with craniocervical junction injury / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore imaging manifestations and diagnostic value of helical CT in maxillofacial fractures associated with craniocervical junction injury. Methods Helical CT findings of ten cases with maxillofacial fractures involving the craniocervical junction injury were retrospectively analyzed and compared with other imaging techniques. Results There were five cases with both fractures of the maxilla and mandible combined with zygomatic arch fractures, three with mandible fractures combined with dislocation of temporomandibular joint and three with mandible fractures combined with slight and moderate craniocerebral injuries. The combined craniocervical junction injuries included atlantoaxial rotary dislocation in six cases, occipital condyle avulsion fracture in two and occipitocervical subluxation in two. Conclusions Maxillofacial fractures combined with the occipitocervical junction injuries are usually ligament injuries, with radiologic characteristics of avulsion fracture, occipitocervical subluxation and atlantoaxial rotary dislocation. Helical CT is a satisfactory mode for diagnosis of such fractures. More attention should be paid to mark of anatomical relation of craniocervical junction to avoid missed diagnosis.