Le Fort classification of fractures of facial skeleton
Le Fort classification divides fractures of the midface skeleton into three basic types according to the location of the fracture plane. However, most fractures are too complex to fit exactly one of the types.
| Type | Synonym | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Le Fort I | Guérin fracture, floating palate | Horizontal fracture though the maxilla and both maxillary sinuses separates the alveolar ridge of maxilla. |
| Le Fort II | pyramidal fracture | Fracture line through the maxillary part of the zygomatic arch and the orbit enters the frontal process of maxilla and continues to the opposite side of face. Both maxillary sinuses are intact. |
| Le Fort III | transverse fracture | Fracture line through the lateral wall of the orbit to the frontal process of maxilla and to the opposite side. Usually associated fracture of the zygomatic arch. Ethmoid cells are involved. The facial skeleton is detached from the skull base. |
References:
1. Le Fort R. Etude experimentale sur les fractures de la machoire superieure. Rev Chir 1901; 23:208 –227, 360–379, 479–507.
2. Rhea JT, Novelline RA. How to Simplify the CT Diagnosis of Le Fort Fractures. American Journal of Roentgenology. 2005 May;184(5):1700–5.
3. Rogers GM, Allen RC. Le Fort Fractures. In: Black EH, Nesi FA, Gladstone GJ, Levine MR, editors. Smith and Nesi’s Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Springer New York; 2012. p. 283–95.
Updated 2/11/2013 19:54 by Lambert