Current problems in diagnostic radiology
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The maxillofacial region, extending from the base of the skull to the hyoid bone, is one of the most anatomically complex regions of the body. This area contains elements and organs belonging to a number of different systems that can be affected by a variety of local and systemic pathologic processes. Diagnostic imaging has assumed a central role in the evaluation of this region. ⋯ In this section, we use the gamut approach to examine a number of developmental, inflammatory, neoplastic, metabolic, and traumatic lesions or disorders. In the last section, we briefly review the subject of orthognathic surgery and the role of diagnostic imaging in the preoperative and postoperative evaluation of the orthognathic patient. The radiographic appearance of some of the more commonly performed midfacial osteotomies are presented.