Diagnostic Efficacy Of 3D CT Vs Conventional Radiographs In Maxillofacial Trauma -A Comparative study

Abstract

Conventional plain radiographs are the first line o f investigation in maxillofacial trauma but bear li mited advantages. CT is now a preferred diagnostic tool due to its ac curate diagnosis. Many studies have been done regar ding the efficacy of CT scan in the diagnosis and management of maxillofacial trauma but most of them have been performed in radiologist perspective. In this study we did a comparative study of conventional radiogr aphs and 3D CT in the evaluation of maxillofacial trauma based solely on Oral and maxillofacial surgeon’s perspect ive (i.e. How much an oral and maxillofacial surgeon finds radiog raphs / 3D CT valuable in the diagnosis and management of maxillofacial trauma patients). Forty five patients of either sex ranging 3 to 55 years (mean average age 27.1+_11.9 years) were included in this study and were advised conventional radiographs and non-contrast CT scan with 3D reconstruction. Cases with maxillofacial fracture w ere divided into three groups 1) Middle third face fracture, 2) Lower third face fracture and 3) Both middle third and lower third face fracture. In each group, the c onventional radiographs and 3D CT were done and analyzed. The result of our study indicate that 3D CT is statistic ally more significant ( Z= 8.8, p<0.001 ) in terms of fracture sites detection as compared to conventional radiographs. Further 3D CT is superior in displaying extent of fractures and comminution as well as for displacement and it provides additional conceptual information as compared to co nventional radiographs in majority of patients havi ng maxillofacial trauma.