Current perspective of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in patients after midface and craniofacial trauma.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of fractures and incidental findings (IF) with emphasis on clinical significance.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A total of 784 patients were evaluated by computed tomography. Fractures and IF were registered and classified as significant if they were recommended for additional diagnostics or therapy.

RESULTS

Four hundred seventy of 784 patients (60%) sustained a fracture. Significant fractures were found in 694/1213 fractures (57%); nonsignificant fractures were found in 519/1213 (43%) fractures. A total of 972 IF were observed in 464/784 (59%) patients. Significant findings were found in 358/972 findings (37%). There were 1.5 fractures and 1.2 IF per patient.

CONCLUSION

There is a high prevalence of significant fractures (57%) and IF (37%).