x-ray anatomy facial bones

Question 1

what are the 3 lines to assess for injury in the occipito-mental projection

Answer 1

• along orbits and across superior part of nasal bone
• zygomatic arches ‘elephants trunk’
• beneath cheek bones/zygomatic arch and across biting point of incisors

Question 2

check images for what to look out for when assessing the 3 facial lines for injury

Question 3

what is a blowout fracture, radiographic signs and how does this cause a teardrop sign in the maxillary antrum

Answer 3

• break of one or more of the 7 bones that surround the orbits
• blow to glove = increased infraorbital pressure hence fracture to thin floor of orbit
• orbital contents e.g fat/muscle herniate downwards into maxillary sinus

Question 4

what is a radiographic sign of orbital emphysema (air in orbital space) in the face

Answer 4

• black eyebrow

(herniation thru medial wall and air from maxillary or ethmoid sinus enter orbit)

Question 5

what are 3 radiographic signs of tripod fracture to face

Answer 5

• widening of zygomatico-frontal suture
• fracture to inferior orbital rim
• fracture of zygomatic arch