AIM: To comparatively evaluate the maxillofacial trauma patients using plain radiographs, CT scan and 3D reformatted CT.
Materials and methods: Ten patients who sustained multiple maxillofacial fractures were randomly selected for this study irrespective of age and sex. In all these cases, conventional plan radiographs, Computed tomography, 3Dimensinal CT were taken and evaluated for diagnosis and better treatment plan.
Results: The results of this study suggest that orbital trauma especially fractures of lateral, medial and inferior orbital wall, orbital muscle/fat entrapment were clearly visualized on CT scan. The displacement and communication of the zygomatic complex clearly appreciated in 3dimensinoal imaging of CT, Posterior extension of LeFort groups of fracture specifically the fracture of medial and lateral pterygoid plates were seen on CT scan.
Conclusion: During the course of present study, the CT, 3D CT was found to be standard in radiological investigations include assessment of, accuracy and extension of fracture in maxillofacial trauma. Whereas conventional radiographs have limitation in accuracy and extension of fracture. They seem to be an easiest to read 3D CT image, it become superior or higher radiological investigation for diagnosis and better treatment outcome.
