Acute facial trauma in falling accidents: MDCT analysis of 500 patients

• Published in: Emergency radiology Vol. 15; no. 4; pp. 241 - 247
• Main Authors: Salonen, Elina M., Koivikko, Mika P., Koskinen, Seppo K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01.07.2008; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Accidental Falls; Acute Disease; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Communications systems; Computed tomography; Emergency Medicine; Facial Bones - diagnostic imaging; Facial Bones - injuries; Facial Injuries - diagnostic imaging; Falling; Female; Fractures; Fractures, Bone - diagnostic imaging; Humans; Imaging; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Middle Aged; Original Article; Radiology; Retrospective Studies; Sinuses; Tomography, X-Ray Computed - methods; Trauma; Computed tomography; Skull base; Face; Injury
• ISSN: 1070-3004; 1438-1435
• DOI: 10.1007/s10140-008-0717-2

The aim of this study is to assess multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) findings of facial trauma due to a falling accident. Using picture-archiving and communications system, we retrieved all MDCT requests for suspected facial injury during a 62-month period. Images were interpreted by two researchers. Five hundred patients met the inclusion criteria and 329 (66%) had a total of 515 fractures. Falls on stairs were seen in 109 (22%) patients and slips or trips in 391 (78%). The corresponding number of fractures was 169 (33%) and 346 (67%). Males ( N  = 241) had more fractures than females ( N  = 259), 327 vs. 188, respectively. The zygomatic complex was the most common fracture, seen in 40% of patients suffering a fracture. Twenty patients (4%) had fractures involving the sinus walls without paranasal sinus effusions. Facial fractures due to falls are common. The zygomatic complex is the most common fracture. A clear sinus sign may be less reliable than previously thought.