ASSESSMENT OF MAXILLOFACIAL FRACTURES ON CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY – AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background - The study aimed to evaluate maxillofacial fractures involving specific bones and determine the extent of fracture lines using cone beam computed tomography. Material and Method - This retrospective observational study analyzed Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans collected between January 2015 and December 2022 from the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Vasantdada Patil Dental College and Hospital, Kavalapur, Sangli, and the Dentascan CBCT Center, Sangli. A minimum of 100 scans meeting the inclusion criteria were evaluated to ensure adequate data representation. Result – The study analyzed 100 CBCT scans, revealing a male predominance (87%). Midfacial fractures (58%) were more common than mandibular (36%). Zygomatic complex was the most affected site, mostly unilateral. Mandibular fractures often involved multiple sites. Unilateral fractures were significantly more prevalent across both jaws (p <0.001) Conclusion – CBCT proved effective in evaluating maxillofacial fractures, with a higher incidence in males and predominant involvement of the midfacial skeleton, especially the zygomatic complex. Most fractures were unilateral. Mandibular fractures commonly affected multiple sites. The findings emphasize CBCT’s value in accurate diagnosis and planning of maxillofacial trauma management.