LeFort Classification of Maxillary Fractures

Description

The LeFort classification of maxillary fractures was described by Rene LeFort in 1901. Most maxillary fractures do not adhere to the classic patterns. These fractures result from direct trauma to the midface and are common in motor vehicle accidents.

LeFort Fracture	Fractures Lines	Functional Detachment
Type I	passes transversely across the caudal margin of the anterior nasal aperture, runs below the nasal cavity but above the teeth to the lower third of the pterygoid plate; may be unilateral or bilateral	tooth-bearing maxilla (alveolar process, palate, pterygoid process)
Type II	passes through the nasal bone, the lacrimal bone, the floor of the orbit, the infraorbital margin, across the upper portion of the maxillary sinus and pterygoid plates to the pterygopalatine fossa; subzygomatic	entire maxilla (pyramidal)
Type III	extends across the nasofrontal suture and through the upper orbits with deformity of the zygomatic arches bilaterally; separation of the frontozygomatic suture	entire facial skeleton from cranial base (craniofacial disjunction)

LeFort Fracture	Clinical Appearance
Type I	swollen upper lip, bruising of buccal sulcus, malocclusion
Type II	bilateral black eyes (Panda eyes), subconjunctival hemorrhage, massive swelling of face, CSF rhinorrhea, infraorbital nerve paresthesia
Type III	bilateral black eyes (Panda eyes), subconjunctival hemorrhage, massive swelling of face, CSF rhinorrhea

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Description

Specialty

ICD-10