Re-evaluating the need for orthopantomography in the management of mandibular trauma: is computed tomography enough?

Mandibular fractures are frequent indications for computed tomography (CT) and orthopantomography (OPG) scans in emergency rooms. Numerous studies found CT to have higher sensitivity and enhanced accuracy compared to OPG in diagnosing mandible fractures. Controversy exists regarding additional need for OPG when evaluating dental trauma. This study investigates whether OPG adds diagnostic value to CT in mandibular trauma and whether additional OPG significantly alters management.

A retrospective chart review identified 100 patients ≥ 18 years of age with known mandibular trauma who received CT and OPG in the emergency department between May 2015 and January 2020. All patients demonstrated a fracture in at least one study. CT and OPG studies were anonymized and randomized. A single attending surgeon evaluated mandible fracture and dental trauma characteristics and subsequently compared findings.

One hundred patient CT and OPG scans were reviewed. CT detected mandible fractures in all patients and OPG detected fractures in 93% (p = 0.01). Twenty-eight patients had different findings between scans. CT demonstrated 1 or more additional fracture(s) than OPG in 20 patients and dental trauma not seen on OPG in 4. OPG detected 1 fracture and no dental trauma that was not seen on CT. CT drove treatment-determining differences in 17 cases and OPG in 0 cases.

CT appears efficacious in detecting clinically significant mandible fractures and dental trauma with little additional benefit from OPG in emergency settings. Helical CT may be the only imaging necessary in evaluating patients with such trauma.