Computed tomography evaluation and three-dimensional reconstruction of facial trauma

The recent development of sophisticated new techniques and the emerging of new therapeutic modalities underscore the limitations of conventional radiologic methods in the evaluation of facial trauma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and feasibility of contemporary CT techniques in the quantitative assessment of soft tissue and bone injuries in patients with complex facial trauma. We performed examinations on 13 patients, aged 15-73 years, with complex facial trauma employing Sytec 3000 CT scan equipment with modern densoprofile software for three-dimensional reconstruction. Anatomic details--changes in fragment size, direction and degree of dislocation-were comprehensively demonstrated. Soft tissue interpositions between the fragments and luxation of the body of Bichat were also visualized. Three-dimensional reconstruction using bone and soft-tissue windowing techniques yielded valuable quantitative information regarding the changes in bone and soft-tissue. The process of forming synostosis was followed in time using densoprofile techniques. Our results indicate that the quantitative information gained from computed tomography with three dimensional reconstruction is a valuable diagnostic tool in facial trauma and holds promise as a cornerstone of future therapeutic strategies.