Abstract :
Introduction: The skeletal anatomy of maxillofacial region is the most complex in the body. Injuries of this region is classified from isolated injuries which involves osseous components to complex maxillofacial injuries involving the entire facial skeleton. The aim of any imaging technique for maxillofacial injury is to evaluate the positions of anatomic elements in precision for both hard and soft tissues in spatial planes. The oldest method of imaging Maxillofacial injuries was the classic x-rays. The challenge of the classical method was the inability to represent all the bone structures of facial skeleton precisely and the very difficulty to access the elements of the soft tissue of face in detailed form. Computed tomography have replaced conventional x-rays and is now a very important tool of imaging for very precise evaluation of maxillofacial trauma and it’s potency with the ability to detect the exact number and site along with the extent of fractures.
Materials and Methods: A systemic self-study was planned to analyze the best choice of imaging techniques for cases of maxillofacial traumatic injuries. With the application of electronic databases we searched PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Clinical Trial Gov, Medline Plus, health line, John Hopkins Medicine which were published in English language. This systemic self-study have reviewed the facts which were published earlier to determine the ideal choice of imaging techniques for any trauma to maxillofacial region. Vast analysis and along with proper examination of data to evaluate with final conclusion.
Observation and Discussion: Based on our systemic self study we observed this fact that maxillofacial injuries are one of the most frequently encountered injuries which are very often admitted in emergency department. With the revolution of technology in healthcare, today 3D Computed tomography has become the ultimate and primary imaging method because of its significant technical improvement.
Conclusion: We concluded that 3D Computed Tomography imaging is very useful for assessing the severity of midface fracture and injury. The reason for 3D Computed Tomography being chosen as imaging choice is just because the 3D image displays the spatial relationships of fracture segments which are in dislocated form and assists surgeons with better graphic display of the actual anatomic presentation which further guides and asists in the management planning and surgical approach in operation Theatre. Hence 3D Computed tomography is the imaging method of choice for an accurate diagnosis which have totally replaced conventional radiography due to its inability to depict the complex anatomical structure of maxillofacial region. This is the reason 3D Computed Tomography is regarded as golden choice in cases of oro-maxillofacial trauma.
Keyword :
Computed Tomography, Facial injury, Maxillofacial trauma