Best of five
- A. Le Fort I fracture
- B. Le Fort II fracture
- C. Isolated zygomatic arch fracture
- D. Nasal bone fracture
- E. Le Fort III fracture
FRCS (ORL-HNS) · SECTION 1 SBA
Le Fort III craniofacial dysjunction
After high-energy trauma, the entire midface is mobile relative to the cranial base, with bilateral zygomaticofrontal and nasofrontal disruption. Which fracture pattern is present?
E. Le Fort III fracture
Le Fort III represents craniofacial dysjunction through the nasofrontal region, medial and lateral orbital walls and zygomatic arches. Airway, haemorrhage, cervical spine and ocular injuries precede definitive fixation.
Why every option is right or wrong
A. Le Fort I fracture: Le Fort I separates the tooth-bearing maxilla below the nasal floor.
B. Le Fort II fracture: Le Fort II is pyramidal and does not fully separate the zygomatic arches from the skull.
C. Isolated zygomatic arch fracture: This does not mobilise the entire midface.
D. Nasal bone fracture: This cannot explain bilateral craniofacial separation.
E. Le Fort III fracture: Le Fort III represents craniofacial dysjunction through the nasofrontal region, medial and lateral orbital walls and zygomatic arches. Airway, haemorrhage, cervical spine and ocular injuries precede definitive fixation.
What if the scenario changed?
If only the pyramidal central midface moved with infraorbital-rim disruption, a Le Fort II pattern would be more likely.
Independent Clinora educational preparation material; not official JCIE content, an accredited programme, clinical advice, or a substitute for current guidance, local policy and specialist judgement.
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