Developing a Checklist-Based Radiology Reporting Framework for Maxillofacial Trauma: A Multispecialty Delphi Study

Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for diagnosing maxillofacial trauma, yet variability in radiology report terminology and structure can lead to miscommunication and suboptimal care.

To compare subspecialty perspectives and evaluate expert consensus on key elements of a standardized radiologic reporting protocol for maxillofacial trauma.

A Delphi process was conducted involving 13 national experts. Participants completed two survey rounds addressing reporting practices for specific fracture subsites, terminology, and the utility of a checklist-based reporting template. Consensus was defined as ≥ 75% agreement within one Likert scale point.

Thirteen experts established consensus across two Delphi rounds on multiple reporting elements. Clinically familiar groupings, including zygomaticomaxillary complex, naso-orbito-ethmoid, and Le Fort patterns, reached greater than 75% agreement, as did several other subsite-specific reporting elements. Areas without consensus included the routine use of structured templates, select subsite-specific descriptors, and the reporting of clinically inferred findings like extraocular muscle entrapment.

This Delphi study produced a multispecialty, consensus-derived framework to standardize CT reporting elements for maxillofacial trauma.