Intraoperative cone beam computed tomography in craniomaxillofacial traumatology - a case report

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a 3D imaging technology based on an X-ray. For its technical parameters as a low-dose radiation, adequate accuracy, and smaller device size in comparison with multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT), it has become widely used in oral and maxillofacial surgery and dentistry, especially for 3D imaging of teeth and facial skeleton pathologies. Since the tendencies for surgical precision have led to the genesis of hybrid theaters, it was only a question of time when the technical evolution will allow to use the CBCT intraperatively. Particularly neurosurgeons have established its application for spinal surgery in the operating room. Generaly in traumatology, X-ray imaging of the reducted fracture is considered useful. In craniomaxillofacial traumatology, even in the case of an open surgery, the intraoperative use of CBCT can lead to immediate control of the proper reduction and decrease the need for reoperation.