Responsible and prudent imaging in the diagnosis and management of facial fractures

This article reviews the current standard of care in imaging considerations for the diagnosis and management of craniomaxillofacial trauma. Injury-specific imaging techniques and options for computer-aided surgery as related to craniomaxillofacial trauma are reviewed, including preoperative planning, intraoperative navigation, and intraoperative computed tomography. Specific imaging considerations by anatomic region include frontal sinus fractures, temporal bone fractures, midfacial fractures, mandible fractures, laryngotracheal injuries, and vascular injuries. Imaging considerations in the pediatric trauma patient are also discussed. Responsible postoperative imaging as it relates to facial trauma management and outcomes assessment is reviewed.