A Le Fort fracture is a type of craniofacial fracture that involves the maxillary bone (upper jaw) and the surrounding structures. These fractures are classified into three main types, known as Le Fort I, Le Fort II, and Le Fort III fractures, each representing different patterns of injury.
Le Fort I Fracture: This fracture involves a horizontal separation of the maxilla from the rest of the skull. It typically occurs above the level of the teeth, resulting in mobility of the upper jaw and possible displacement of the palate. Le Fort II Fracture: Also known as a pyramidal fracture, this type involves a triangular separation of the midface, extending from the nasal bridge through the orbits and down to the maxilla. The separation occurs at the level of the nasal bones and orbits, leading to significant instability of the midface.
Le Fort III Fracture: This fracture extends through the entire midface, separating the facial skeleton from the skull base. It involves fractures of the nasal bones, orbits, zygomatic bones, and maxilla, leading to dramatic instability of the facial structures. Le Fort fractures are often caused by high-energy blunt trauma to the face, such as motor vehicle accidents, falls from height, or physical assaults. These fractures can result in severe facial deformity, disruption of vision, difficulty breathing, and problems with occlusion (bite alignment).
Treatment of Le Fort fractures typically involves surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the facial bones. This may include open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using plates, screws, or wires to secure the fractured segments in their anatomical position. In some cases, additional procedures may be required to address associated injuries, such as repair of ocular injuries or management of airway compromise. Physical therapy and rehabilitation may also be necessary to optimize functional outcomes and facial aesthetics following treatment.