Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
LeFort fracture
Introduction
Overview
Overview
LeFort fractures (also spelled as Le Fort fractures) are types of facial fractures that are classic in trauma. Diagnosis is by physician and is usually done in an Emergency room. The patient is taken for radiography of the head and neck then after obvious fracture signs the patient is taken to CT scan where sharper images are produced. To qualify for LeFort Fractures the pterygoid plates must be involved. Also, look for mobile palate in almost all cases.
There are 3 types of LeFort fractures:
- 1) LeFort I includes the maxilla
- 2) LeFort II includes the pyramidal fracture on the nasofrontal suture
- 3) LeFort III includes total craniofacial malfunction
The Le Fort fracture was named after French surgeon René Le Fort (1869-1951).
CT images demonstrate of Lefort 1 fracture
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]