Le Fort Midface Fracture Classification
- The Le Fort Classification is used to classify fractures of the midface. It is based on initial studies by René Le Fort in 1901, where he experimented with blunt trauma on cadaveric skulls.
- Le Fort Type I
- Horizontal maxillary fracture separating the teeth from the upper face.
- Fracture line passes through the alveolar ridge, lateral nose, and along the inferior wall of the maxillary sinus.
- Le Fort Type II
- Pyramidal fracture with the alveolus as the pyramid base, and the nasofrontal suture as the apex.
- The fracture passes through the posterior alveolar ridge, lateral walls of the maxillary sinuses, inferior orbital rim, and then the nasal bones.
- Le Fort Type III
- Also known as craniofacial disjunction.
- Complete separation of the cranium from the midface.
- Transverse fracture through the nasofrontal suture, laterally through the orbital wall, and then through zygomatic arch/zygomaticofrontal suture.
- Because the zygomatic arch is involved, there is a risk of temporalis muscle impingement.
- Mnemonic
- Le Fort I is a floating palate (horizontal)
- Le Fort II is a floating maxilla (pyramidal)
- Le Fort III is a floating face (transverse)
Last updated October 13, 2022
