title: Diagnostic efficacy of cone-beam computed tomography for mandibular fractures.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to determine the clinical efficacy of maxillofacial cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for the diagnosis of suspected mandibular fractures and to evaluate whether findings would lead to a change in treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  CBCT imaging was performed for 164 patients with suspected mandibular fractures (231 sites) but equivocal clinical and radiological findings (conventional radiography). Images were interpreted by oral and maxillofacial surgeons and treatment decisions based on pre and postimaging were compared. Linear regression analyses were performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  For 63.2% of sites (n = 146) the suspected diagnosis was confirmed by CBCT (P < .0001; R(2) = 0.93). For 4.33% of sites (n = 10) no fracture was identified. Additional fractures were identified in 17.75% (n = 41) and additional infractures in 14.72% (n = 34). The treatment plan was altered for 9.52% of sites (n = 22).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  CBCT imaging of suspected mandibular fractures resulted in a change in the treatment plan in 9.52%.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Clinic for Oral and Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany. gabriele.kaeppler@med.uni-muenchen.de
authors.forename: Gabriele
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kaeppler
authors.forename: Carl-Peter
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Cornelius
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ehrenfeld
authors.forename: Gerson
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mast
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic