Abstract

MAGAGULA, Senzwesihle C.  and  HARDCASTLE, Timothy. Defining current facial fracture patterns in a quaternary institution following high-velocity blunt trauma. S. Afr. J. radiol. (Online) [online]. 2016, vol.20, n.1, pp.1-6. ISSN 2078-6778.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/sajr.v20i1.1005.

BACKGROUND: In the early 20th century, RenÉ Le Fort studied facial fractures resulting from blunt trauma and devised a classification system still in common use today. This classification, however, was based on low-velocity trauma. In modern practice, in a quaternary-level referral hospital, patients are often admitted following high-velocity injuries that mostly result from motor vehicle collisions. OBJECTIVES: A retrospective study to define facial bone fractures occurring subsequent to high-velocity trauma. METHOD: A retrospective study comprising the review of CT scans of 52 patients with high-velocity facial fractures was performed between April 2007 and March 2013. Injuries were classified using the Le Fort classification system. Deviations from the true Le Fort types, which are often depicted in the literature as occurring bilaterally and symmetrically, were documented; these included unilaterality, occurrence of several Le Fort fractures on one side of the face, occurrence of several Le Fort fractures on different levels and on different sides of the face, and occurrence of other fractures in addition to Le Fort fractures. RESULTS: Of the 52 cases, 12 (23%) had Le Fort injuries, with true Le Fort fractures occurring in only 1, and 11 deviating from the classic description. Nine patients had Le Fort fractures and additional fractures. Mandibular and zygomatic bone fractures were found to be common associations with Le Fort injuries, occurring in 58% and 33% of the cases respectively. CONCLUSION: Fractures occurring in modern practice often deviate from the traditional Le Fort classification. Precise recognition of these deviations and recognition of additional associated fractures is pivotal in their management, assisting the surgeon in determining the treatment plan, such as the surgical approach and the order in which to fix the various fractured components.

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