Skull Base and Facial Trauma Overview

Summary Thoughts: Skull Base & Facial Trauma

Skull base fractures (fxs) require considerable force & are often associated with other craniofacial injuries. Blunt trauma is responsible for over 90% of skull base & facial fxs & are frequently related to vehicular accidents. Injuries may range from a solitary linear fx to complex injuries involving the craniofacial skeleton. Associated intracranial injuries, such as cerebral contusion, intra-/extraaxial hemorrhage, dural tears, & vascular injuries, are common in these cases. The objective of imaging in these trauma patients is to depict the location & extent of fxs & to recognize associated injuries to vital structures. Accurate imaging interpretation also aids in surgical planning & in preventing complications.