Diagnostic accuracy of panoramic maxillary sinus projection in patients with midface fractures according to CT scan findings

Abstract EN

Background : Diagnostic imaging has been of recent and unique importance in substantiating the clinically suspected existence of the midface fracture and it is essential to be aware of the various procedures available to help initially in establishing an accurate diagnosis.

The aim of the study is to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of panoramic maxillary sinus projection according to computed tomographical findings in patients with midface fractures to be used as an emergency radiographic diagnostic aid.

Subjects, material and methods : Thirty patients with a midfacial trauma and twenty patients suspected to having midfacial fractures.

All subjects were examined radiographically using panoramic maxillary sinus imaging system to evaluate the nasal, orbital, maxillary, and zygomatic bone and recorded as either “positive” or “negative” according to the positive computed tomographical midfacial fracture findings.

Results : Panoramic maxillary sinus projection was 83.3 % sensitive in detecting midfacial fractures line with 90 % accuracy and it can establish the diagnosis of any midfacial bones fracture with 100 % confidence in any clinical setting.

Conclusion : If panoramic maxillary sinus imaging is performed as the first imaging modality in case of suspected midfacial fractures by an experienced investigator, the visualization of fracture line can avoid conventional imaging, so that only an indicated computed tomography scan can be added.