Radiology of Craniofacial Fractures

Abstract

Until a few years ago, conventional X-rays were the imaging standard for cranio-cerebral and facial traumata. Today, however, computed tomography (CT) has become the primary imaging method, along with significant technical improvements, especially with the development of multislice CT.

Conventional X-rays are relatively sensitive to cranial vault fractures, but insensitive to fractures of the skull base and facial skeleton. CT enables a precise diagnosis of all kind of fractures of the facial skeleton and skull base, and additionally delivers information about intracranial bleeding and injuries to the cerebrum. In the multi-traumatized patient, CT can be extended to the cervical spine as well as the trunk if necessary. A complete body check for traumatic lesions can be done within a few minutes, including the brain, spine, bone, and organs. Thus, conventional X-rays of the skull are no longer used in the case of head traumas or polytraumatized patients; CT is widely accepted as the primary imaging method of choice. Nevertheless, the following provides an overview of all imaging methods, including conventional X-rays.

Contributed by Thomas Treumann, Kantonsspital Luzern (CH), Central Institute of Radiology, Luzern, Switzerland