Ultrasonographic versus conventional diagnostic procedures in dislocated subcondylar mandibular fractures

In patients with severe craniomaxillofacial trauma, immediate attention is directed primarily to the early diagnosis of cervical spine injuries, intracranial injuries, respiratory difficulties, and vascular compromises. Diagnostic studies, such as computed tomography scans, are sometimes not useful for the evaluation of mandibular fractures, since cuts are performed too superiorly. The plane radiographs obtained in emergency settings are frequently of minimal diagnostic value. Fractures of the mandibular symphysis, body, and angles are easily identified clinically; subcondylar fractures, however, are not directly accessible for clinical examination. The evaluation of suspected dislocated subcondylar fractures with the aid of ultrasonography is reliable, highly sensitive and specific, and cost-effective.