MDCT ASSESSMENT OF MAXILLOFACIAL TRAUMA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background: Maxillofacial trauma represents a signicant clinical challenge. Accurate and rapid diagnosis is paramount for effective management and preventing long-term complications. Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) has emerged as the primary imaging modality for these injuries. This study aims to evaluate the role and patterns of ndings on MDCT in patients with maxillofacial trauma. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted over a one-year period on 60 patients (aged >18 years) with suspected maxillofacial trauma. After obtaining institutional ethics committee approval and written informed consent, all patients underwent non-contrast MDCT on a 128-slice scanner. Axial, coronal, sagittal, and three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions were analyzed to document fracture patterns, locations, and associated injuries. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Sixty patients were enrolled; the 28–37-year age group was most affected (28.3%). A female predominance was noted (58.3%). Road Trafc Accidents (RTAs) were a major cause of injury (28.3%). The most common clinical presentations were pain (60.0%) and facial asymmetry (58.3%). Radiologically, multiple fractures were the most frequent nding (20.0%), and the zygomatic bone was the most commonly fractured single bone (16.7%). Comminuted and undisplaced fractures were the most prevalent types (31.7% each). Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) was the most common surgical intervention (35.0%). Conclusion: MDCT is indispensable for the comprehensive evaluation of maxillofacial trauma. Its multiplanar capabilities provide excellent anatomical detail, enabling accurate diagnosis and classication of complex fractures, which is crucial for guiding surgical planning and improving patient outcomes.