ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CERVICAL SPINE INJURIES AND MAXILLOFACIAL TRAUMA

Abstract

Introduction: cervical spine injuries are devastating injuries. Prevention and early detection are mandatory to decrease CSIs complications. Association between CSIs and maxillofacial trauma was reported in many studies across the world. CSIs are classified into upper and sub-axial injuries. Upper cervical injuries involve: occipital condyle fractures, atlanto-occipital dislocation, atlas, axis fractures and atlanto-axial dislocation. Sub-axial cervical spine injuries include fractures and dislocations from C3-C7 vertebrae. Full clinical assessment and neurological assessment using ASIA score are mandatory in management of CSIs. NEXUS criteria and CCR to assess the need for cervical radiology. Management of CSIs includes both surgical versus conservative treatment. Maxillofacial Trauma includes soft and hard tissue injuries. Facial fractures divided into upper, middle and lower face. Upper facial fractures include both frontal bone and naso-orbito-ethmoidal. Middle facial fractures include zygoma, orbit and le forte type 1, 2 and 3. Lower face fractures represent mandibular fractures. CT facial bone is the gold standard for diagnosis of MFT.