Le Fort type 3 fracture or not?

Abstract

Axial non-contrast CT scan is the standard technique in patients with head and/or face injury. The three dimensional CT imaging reconstruction is becoming a gold standard in trauma of maxillofacial region enabling a clear perception of fracture lines and resulting displacement of fracture fragments. Le Fort fractures are fractures of the midface. In Le Fort type 3 fracture the craniofacial disjunction is present. A 91-yearold female had a mild facial trauma as a result of accidental fall. Axial CT scan showed artifacts, but three dimensional CT imaging reconstruction showed typical Le Fort type 3 fracture. Since clinical and 3D CT reconstruction finding were in complete contradiction, we repeated CT scan, which showed normal finding. This case is shows that in an era of incredible progress of neuroradiology, clinical examination still remains the best diagnostic tool.