Imaging Studies
See the list below:
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The single most informative radiologic study used in diagnosing mandibular fractures is the panoramic radiograph.
Panorex provides the ability to view the entire mandible in one radiograph.
Panorex requires an upright patient, and it lacks fine detail in the TMJ, symphysis, and dental/alveolar process regions.
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Plain films, including lateral-oblique, occlusal, posteroanterior, and periapical views, may be helpful.
The lateral-oblique view helps in diagnosing ramus, angle, or posterior body fractures. The condyle, bicuspid, and symphysis regions often are unclear.
Mandibular occlusal views show discrepancies in the medial and lateral position of the body fractures.
Caldwell posteroanterior views demonstrate any medial or lateral displacement of ramus, angle, body, or symphysis fractures.
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CT scanning may also be helpful.
CT scanning allows physicians to survey for facial fractures in other areas, including the frontal bone, naso-ethmoid-orbital complex, orbits, and the entire craniofacial horizontal and vertical buttress systems.
Reconstruction of the facial skeleton is often helpful to conceptualize the injury.
CT scanning is also ideal for condylar fractures, which are difficult to visualize.
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A transverse fracture of the mandible angle without displacement. A: Transverse fracture of the right mandible with fixation using miniplates at the superior and inferior borders. B: Postoperative radiograph demonstrating fixation.
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Forces acting on the mandible and the relationship between muscle pulls and fracture angulation. A: Horizontally unfavorable. B: Horizontally favorable. C: Vertically unfavorable. D: Vertically favorable.
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Comminuted angular fracture of the left mandible. A: Transverse and longitudinal fractures. B: A lag screw and reconstruction plate used to provide fixation. C: Radiograph depicting fixation.
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Comminuted fracture of the ascending mandibular ramus. A: A comminuted fracture of the left ascending ramus. B: Reduction using miniplates of the superior aspect of the ascending ramus. C: Bridging of the comminuted area using a reconstruction plate.