Radiologic studies of facial trauma associated with a regional trauma centre

The study of severe facial trauma has been altered by the development of computed tomography (CT). As a regional trauma unit we have gained increasing experience with complex fractures of the face. In those patients most severely injured, high resolution CT has become the imaging modality relied upon to offer the safest and most accurate information. Conventional films still have a role, especially in the less severely traumatized patient. We describe our methods and observations, based upon experience at a trauma unit, in the radiologic investigation of facial injuries.