[A revised scheme for LeFort classification of upper jaw fractures]

To put forward a revised scheme on LeFort classification for the upper jaw fractures.

193 consecutive cases with the primary diagnoses of upper jaw fractures were involved in this study, for each one of which water's and CT scan were available to decide the fracture site and pattern. Data were filed in term of classification items as LeFort I, II and III fracture, as well as sagittal fracture and alveolar fracture. Statistical analysis was done to validate the meliorating thought on and revised scheme on LeFort classification.

It was validated that of 185 cases with upper jaw fractures only 30.81% which presented single-line fracture and 34.06% which presented multiple-line fracture were covered with LeFort classification. Additional 13.51% with single-line fracture and 21.61% with multiple-line fracture could be included when LeFort classification was extended with increase of items of sagittal fracture and alveolar fracture. Further results revealed that among total 344 sites or fracture lines included in 193 cases, 81.10% could be diagnosed fracture pattern of LeFort classification. Of 65 fracture sites presenting LeFort III type, 92.31% were concomitant with LeFort II type or LeFort I and II type, very few being alone.

A revised classification was proposeded that upper jaw fractures could be classified into four types as follows: (1) high horizontal fracture (corresponding to LeFort II and III type), (2) low horizontal fracture (corresponding to LeFort I type), (3) sagittal fracture (including midline and para-midline fracture) and (4) alveolar fracture.