Journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery : official journal of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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J. Oral Maxillofac. Surg. · Dec 2013
Blunt-mechanism facial fracture patterns associated with internal carotid artery injuries: recommendations for additional screening criteria based on analysis of 4,398 patients.
Blunt internal carotid artery injuries (BCAIs) can result from craniofacial trauma, yet the association between craniofacial fractures and BCAIs is poorly understood. ⋯ Specific facial fracture patterns, including bilateral fractures in any facial third and complex midface, Le Fort I, and subcondylar fractures, confer increased risk of BCAI, especially in association with basilar skull fractures. Suspicion for BCAI in these patients may improve diagnosis and enable prompt therapeutic intervention. Addition of Le Fort I fractures to existing BCAI screening criteria improves sensitivity and may be of clinical utility in ruling out BCAIs.