Violence-related facial trauma: analysis of multidetector computed tomography findings of 727 patients

Objectives

The multidetector CT (MDCT) findings of facial trauma in victims of interpersonal violence were assessed.

Methods

All MDCT requests for suspected facial injury during a 62 month period were retrieved; 727 cases met the inclusion criteria. Images were interpreted by two researchers by consensus.

Results

Of the 727 patients (aged 15–86 years old, mean 37), 583 (80.2%) were male and 144 (19.8%) female. Of all the patients, 74% had a fracture, and of these 44% had multiple non-contiguous fractures.

Conclusions

Violence is a very common cause of facial injury. Nasal and orbital fractures predominate. Males are more often involved; they are younger, sustain fractures more often and significantly more often present with high-energy fracture patterns. LeFort fractures are often unilateral or asymmetrical, and are frequently accompanied by other, clinically significant fractures. Up to 25% of patients with fractures do not have paranasal sinus effusions.