LeFort I

LeFort I fractures occur in the horizontal plane above the alveolar process extending from the nasal septum to the pterygoid plates, resulting in "floating palate." On imaging, this fracture pattern can be recognized by its involvement of the anterolateral margin of the nasal fossa. On physical exam, the maxillary teeth are mobile relative to the remainder of the face.

Scrollable Stack Images

Images show bilateral LeFort I fractures. Minimally displaced fractures can be seen through the bilateral pterygoid plates and medial walls of the maxillary sinuses. Fracture through the bony attachments of the palate can be appreaciated in multiple planes. Minimally depressed nasal bone fractures are also seen.

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Axial image demonstrates fractures through the bilateral pterygoid plates.

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Coronal image demonstrates minimally displaced fractures through the anterior bony attachments of the palate - both lateral and medial walls of the inferior maxillary sinus. Hemorrhagic opacification of the ethmoid and maxillary sinuses is seen.

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A more posterior coronal image demonstrates fractures through the medial and lateral pterygoid plates bilaterally.

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Sagittal image demonstrates a midline fracture through the maxillia and the hard palate. A minimally depressed nasal bone fracture can also be appreciated.