Le Fort fractures: a review

Abstract

Rene Le Fort proposed 3 classifications to determine the type of facial fracture based on the main facial lines with the least resistance, these being the places where facial fractures are most located. These fractures occur mainly because of high-velocity impact mechanisms. Le Fort fractures are difficult to manage and at the same time challenging, although it is not a common pathology, it is potentially lethal, and its initial approach and resuscitation are critical in the first hours. As in any other trauma, an initial evaluation must be carried out exhaustively and following the ABC, which mainly includes evaluation of the airway, breathing and circulation. Once a facial fracture is suspected, its extension and location must be determined through images such as x-ray or computed tomography. CT being the gold standard. Once the patient is stabilized, reconstructive surgery will be the indicated approach in most cases, with the main objective being the restoration of occlusion, direct exposure and manual reduction of the fractures, reconstruction of the medial and lateral bone buttresses, restoring the projection of the face and restore the width of the maxillary arch, nose and orbit. In general, some of the most frequently described postoperative complications are hemorrhage, infection, foreign body reaction, malunion, among others; however, these will vary depending on their classification.