A Missed Case of Trauma- The Radiologists Perspective

Abstract

Every person subject to the ordinary risks of everyday life is a potential candidate for trauma to the body. In some instances, these traumatic injuries or their manifestations may go unnoticed and become evident later on in life. Dealing with maxillofacial trauma is, however different from dealing with similar trauma in other parts of the body. The major concern about the trauma of the body such as the limbs, abdomen, thorax etc. is related to the restoration of function. In facial trauma, on the other hand, restoration of aesthetics along with the function is of primary concern; otherwise, a minor facial injury if not treated adequately, can lead to a serious problem owing to the psychological impact. It is also essential to realize that properly executed initial repair of the facial injury often gives better results than multiple secondary procedures. Inadequate primary treatment may result in several deformities, which may be difficult to treat later on without good results. This paper highlights one such case wherein the trauma to the maxillofacial skeleton was undiagnosed and eventually led to aesthetic and functional concerns for the patient. It further also underlines the important role of the oral and maxillofacial radiologist in identifying and differentiating various bony pathologies with the aid of appropriate radiographic techniques.