EVALUATION OF MAXILLOFACIAL TRAUMA USING MULTISLICE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY WITH IMPORTANCE OF 3D RECONSTRUCTION

Abstract

Background: Maxillofacial trauma (MFT) is a common emergency, often resulting from road traffic accidents, interpersonal violence, falls, and sports injuries. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management and preventing long-term functional and aesthetic complications.
Objective: This study evaluates the role of Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) with 3D reconstruction in assessing maxillofacial fractures, comparing its efficacy with conventional 2D imaging.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 100 patients with maxillofacial trauma at the Department of Radio-diagnosis, Vinayaka mission’s medical college, Karaikal, Puducherry. MSCT scans were performed, and fractures were analyzed in multiple planes with 3D reconstructions. Fracture distribution, mode of injury, and diagnostic accuracy of MSCT were assessed.
Results: Road traffic accidents (81%) were the leading cause of trauma. The most common fractures involved the orbit (59%), zygomatic bone (41%), and nasal bone (36%). 3D reconstruction provided superior visualization in 65.51% of mandible fractures and 58.82% of Le Fort fractures compared to 2D imaging. However, it was inferior for orbit (71.18%) and frontal bone fractures (61.53%).
Conclusion: MSCT with 3D reconstruction enhances diagnostic accuracy, particularly for complex maxillofacial fractures, facilitating better surgical planning. However, conventional 2D imaging remains valuable in certain cases.