The Role of Conventional Radiographs and 3D CT in the Evaluation of Maxillofacial Trauma: A Systematic Review
Background: Maxillofacial injuries are a frequent occurrence in emergency clinical settings, posing diagnostic challenges that require both rapid and accurate assessment to facilitate appropriate treatment planning. Traditionally, conventional radiographs have served as the first-line imaging modal...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
ziauddin University
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Pakistan Journal of Medicine and Dentistry |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://ojs.zu.edu.pk/pjmd/article/view/3661 |
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| Summary: | Background: Maxillofacial injuries are a frequent occurrence in emergency clinical settings, posing diagnostic challenges that require both rapid and accurate assessment to facilitate appropriate treatment planning. Traditionally, conventional radiographs have served as the first-line imaging modality for evaluating facial trauma. However, the introduction of three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) has provided an alternative diagnostic tool, offering enhanced visualization of complex anatomical structures and potentially greater diagnostic accuracy. This systematic review aimed to critically evaluate and compare the diagnostic effectiveness and clinical utility of conventional radiographs versus 3D CT in assessing maxillofacial trauma.
Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted up to June 2025. Eligible studies included retrospective and prospective case-control designs that directly compared the diagnostic accuracy of conventional radiographs and 3D CT in evaluating maxillofacial trauma. Only peer-reviewed articles reporting quantitative diagnostic outcomes were included. Case reports and studies lacking direct comparison or identifiable diagnostic criteria were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. A narrative synthesis was performed due to variability in study designs and outcome measures.
Results: A total of twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. Across the included studies, 3D CT consistently demonstrated superior diagnostic accuracy compared to conventional radiographs in the evaluation of maxillofacial trauma. This advantage was especially pronounced in complex midfacial injuries and cases involving multiple fracture patterns. 3D CT also showed enhanced sensitivity in detecting subtle or occult fractures, offered improved visualization of anatomical relationships, and contributed significantly to more effective surgical planning.
Discussion: While conventional radiographs remain valuable for initial screening, 3D CT emerges as the superior imaging modality for the comprehensive evaluation of maxillofacial trauma. Its ability to accurately visualize both bony and soft tissue injuries makes it essential for precise diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and improved clinical outcomes.
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| ISSN: | 2313-7371 2308-2593 |