Abstract
The severity of midfacial and orbital injuries depends on the one hand on cause, force
vector, load point, or area and on the other hand on the bony and soft tissue resistance
as well as individual anatomy. These variables result in a variety of possible injuries
of the midfacial and orbital complex. The time critical choice of an adequate imaging
modality of these injuries is influenced by the possible severity of concomitant injuries.
Besides the confirmation of a clinical diagnosis, the need for high-resolution three-dimensional
imaging for preoperative planning of facial reconstruction using intraoperative navigation
has become more and more important in the past years. To achieve optimal functional
and esthetic outcomes, the anatomical complexity of the midface has to be addressed
and the adequate imaging modality has to be chosen keeping the upcoming surgical treatment
in mind. The current imaging modalities for midfacial and orbital trauma are presented
and critically evaluated depending on the indications. Furthermore, new strategies
to support surgeons in achieving best possible midfacial reconstructions are discussed.
An algorithm to choose the adequate imaging modality in midfacial and orbital traumatology
is provided.
Keywords
midface - orbital trauma - imaging - tomography - CBCT
