The need of postoperative radiographs in maxillofacial fractures—a prospective, multicentric study

Abstract

Aims and objectives: (1) To evaluate the need of routine postoperative radiographs in the management of maxillofacial fractures. (2) To format a protocol for advising postoperative radiographs, if needed. Materials and methods: A prospective, multicentric, observational study, with predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria was done involving seven centres with a minimum sample size of 50 patients from each. A standardized data sheet was formulated and was given to operators for pre- and postoperative clinical and radiological evaluation. The information obtained from the data sheet was analysed to evaluate the need of routine postoperative radiograph in the management of maxillofacial fractures, and a protocol was formulated for advising postoperative radiographs. Result: Parasymphysis (60%) was the most commonly encountered fracture site. Orthopantomograph (95%) was the most commonly used radiograph. Around 85% of the operator advised postoperative radiograph. Assessment of the reduction following fixation was the commonest reason (75%) elicited. Intraoperative reduction and immediate postoperative occlusion were found to be better indicators (p < 0.5) for assessment of reduction than immediate postoperative radiographs. Conclusion: There is no much role for routine immediate postoperative radiographs in the management of maxillofacial fractures.