Facial Fractures Classification

Facial Fractures

Classification

• Le Fort Fractures: involve the midface, classified into 3 types:
  • Le Fort I: horizontal fracture above the teeth, involving the maxilla and palate
  • Le Fort II: pyramid-shaped fracture, involving the maxilla, zygoma, and lacrimal bone
  • Le Fort III: involves the entire midface, including the zygoma, lacrimal bone, and cribiform plate
• Mandibular Fractures: involve the lower jaw, classified into 3 types:
  • Symphysis fracture: involves the midline of the chin
  • Body fracture: involves the horizontal ramus or angle of the jaw
  • Condylar fracture: involves the temporomandibular joint
• Zygomatic Fractures: involve the cheekbone, classified into 3 types:
  • Zygomatic arch fracture: involves the arch of the cheekbone
  • Zygomaticomaxillary fracture: involves the cheekbone and maxilla
  • Tripod fracture: involves the zygoma, maxilla, and orbit

Causes

• Blunt Trauma: most common cause of facial fractures, resulting from:
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Falls
  • Assaults
  • Sports injuries
• Penetrating Trauma: less common cause, resulting from:
  • Gunshot wounds
  • Stab wounds
  • Other penetrating injuries

Symptoms

• Pain and Swelling: common symptoms of facial fractures
• Facial Deformity: may be present, depending on the type and severity of the fracture
• Dental Malocclusion: teeth may not fit together properly due to fracture displacement
• Eye Symptoms: may include vision changes, double vision, or eye movement limitation

Diagnosis

• Clinical Examination: visual inspection, palpation, and range of motion tests
• Imaging Studies: radiographs (e.g., Panorex, CT scans) to confirm diagnosis and assess extent of injury
• Dental Evaluation: dental examination to assess dental occlusion and potential tooth involvement

Classification of Facial Fractures

• Le Fort Fractures involve the midface and are classified into 3 types: Le Fort I, Le Fort II, and Le Fort III.
• Le Fort I involves a horizontal fracture above the teeth, affecting the maxilla and palate.
• Le Fort II involves a pyramid-shaped fracture, affecting the maxilla, zygoma, and lacrimal bone.
• Le Fort III involves the entire midface, including the zygoma, lacrimal bone, and cribiform plate.

Mandibular Fractures

• Mandibular Fractures involve the lower jaw and are classified into 3 types: Symphysis fracture, Body fracture, and Condylar fracture.
• Symphysis fracture involves the midline of the chin.
• Body fracture involves the horizontal ramus or angle of the jaw.
• Condylar fracture involves the temporomandibular joint.

Zygomatic Fractures

• Zygomatic Fractures involve the cheekbone and are classified into 3 types: Zygomatic arch fracture, Zygomaticomaxillary fracture, and Tripod fracture.
• Zygomatic arch fracture involves the arch of the cheekbone.
• Zygomaticomaxillary fracture involves the cheekbone and maxilla.
• Tripod fracture involves the zygoma, maxilla, and orbit.

Causes of Facial Fractures

• Blunt Trauma is the most common cause of facial fractures, resulting from motor vehicle accidents, falls, assaults, and sports injuries.
• Penetrating Trauma is a less common cause, resulting from gunshot wounds, stab wounds, and other penetrating injuries.

Symptoms of Facial Fractures

• Pain and Swelling are common symptoms of facial fractures.
• Facial Deformity may be present, depending on the type and severity of the fracture.
• Dental Malocclusion may occur, with teeth not fitting together properly due to fracture displacement.
• Eye Symptoms may include vision changes, double vision, or eye movement limitation.

Diagnosis of Facial Fractures

• Clinical Examination involves visual inspection, palpation, and range of motion tests.
• Imaging Studies, such as radiographs (e.g., Panorex, CT scans), are used to confirm diagnosis and assess extent of injury.
• Dental Evaluation involves a dental examination to assess dental occlusion and potential tooth involvement.

Test your knowledge of facial fractures, including Le Fort and Mandibular fractures, and their classification into different types.