APRIL 26th, 2023
Le Fort Fractures: Complex fractures to the midface.
Presenting Symptoms:
Type 1: Swollen upper lip, teeth not aligned properly, bruising, limited mobility of the maxilla.
Type 2: significant deformity, swelling, nasal septum fracture, limited mobility of the maxilla and nose, bilateral periorbital edema and bruising (raccoon eyes), nosebleed,
Type 3: raccoon eyes, lengthening and flattening of the face, orbital hooding, bruising over the mastoid region, CSF rhinorrhea, CSF otorrhea, hemotympanum.
Epidemiology: Le Fort fractures account for 10-20% of all facial fractures.
Etiology/Pathophysiology: Caused by blunt force trauma to the face. This can result from sport injuries from playing contact sports such as football, hockey, baseball, etc. It can also result from motor vehicle accidents, assaults, and falls. There are three types of Le Fort fractures based on the direction of the fracture: horizontal (type 1), pyramidal (type 2), and transverse (type 3). These classifications follow areas of structural weakness. A Le Fort Type 1 fracture typically occurs because of a downward force to the lower maxilla, resulting in a horizontal fracture of the lower maxilla to the midface. A Le Fort Type 2 fracture typically occurs because of a force at the level of the nasal bones. A Le Fort Type 3 fracture occurs because of a force at the level of the upper maxilla/nasal bridge.
Diagnosis: Diagnosis is heavily dependent on radiological findings, such as CT. Le Fort Fractures can be associated with other clinical presentations such as dental or alveolar ridge fractures.
Treatment: Surgery to stabilize and restore the integrity of the fractured structures. Primary Acquired
Le Fort Classification of Facial Fractures
Le Fort Classification of Facial Fractures. University of Washington. Accessed 23 April 2023.
Further Readings:
Written by: Alexandria Bao
