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Abstract Trauma to the facial area accounts for a significant number of admissions to the emergency department. Diagnostic imaging is almost always required, and is critical in determining patient management. Multi‐detector computed tomography (MDCT) appears consistently in the literature as the gold‐standard imaging modality for facial bones, but results in a high radiation dose to the patient. This makes the application and advancement of dose reduction and dose optimisation methods vital. This narrative review presents a critical analysis of the literature concerning diagnostic imaging of facial bone trauma, with an emphasis on dose reduction methods for MDCT. Databases including Pubmed, Medline, Web of Science and Scopus were used to investigate this topic, with the key words: facial bone trauma, computed tomography (CT) imaging and dose reduction. Exclusion criteria included studies on nasal bone fracturing, dental imaging, elective surgeries and paediatric imaging. The literature shows overwhelming support for MDCT, given its accuracy, efficiency and ease of operation. Noise reducing reconstruction algorithms show promise as a successful method of dose reduction in facial bone imaging. Investigations of more innovative techniques also appear within the literature, including diagnostic cone‐beam CT (CBCT), intraoperative CBCT and dual‐source CT (DSCT), but further research is required to confirm their clinical value.

Trauma to the facial area accounts for a significant number of admissions to the emergency department. Diagnostic imaging is almost always required, and is critical in determining patient management. Multi‐detector computed tomography (MDCT) appears consistently in the literature as the gold‐standard imaging modality for facial bones, but results in a high radiation dose to the patient. This makes the application and advancement of dose reduction and dose optimisation methods vital. This narrative review presents a critical analysis of the literature concerning diagnostic imaging of facial bone trauma, with an emphasis on dose reduction methods for MDCT. Databases including Pubmed, Medline, Web of Science and Scopus were used to investigate this topic, with the key words: facial bone trauma, computed tomography (CT) imaging and dose reduction. Exclusion criteria included studies on nasal bone fracturing, dental imaging, elective surgeries and paediatric imaging. The literature shows overwhelming support for MDCT, given its accuracy, efficiency and ease of operation. Noise reducing reconstruction algorithms show promise as a successful method of dose reduction in facial bone imaging. Investigations of more innovative techniques also appear within the literature, including diagnostic cone‐beam CT (CBCT), intraoperative CBCT and dual‐source CT (DSCT), but further research is required to confirm their clinical value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 44-year-old woman had sustained facial lacerations, loss of several teeth, alveolar bone fracture, and severe vertical bone resorption in conjunction with a shattered alveolar bone and marked loss of intraoral function and facial disfigurement in a car accident. She underwent 9 surgical procedures by plastic surgeons to treat the facial lesions, including hold facial scar formation reduction surgery, reduction of fractures of the nasal and cheek bones, and bone transplants. To restore intraoral function and improve facial appearance, plastic surgeons transplanted a rib into the maxillary sinus while dental surgeons simultaneously inserted 5 dental implants. Eleven months after the dental implant surgery, a complete upper denture and a mandibular gingival ceramometal-casting crown were fitted. After insertion of the final prosthodontics, regular follow-up examinations were performed to check dental occlusion, oral hygiene, and the condition of the gingival tissue. In the years since the upper dental implants were fitted, there have been no bone resorption and no functional problems. Transplantation of rib bones is an effective method for maxillary reconstruction and remains effective even after the insertion of dental implants. The patient is extremely satisfied with the results. A means of maintaining oral health over the long term, and of motivating the patient to maintain oral health, should be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]