Classification and characteristics of pterygoid process fracture associated with maxillary transverse fracture.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to classify pterygoid process fractures associated with maxillary transverse fractures.


METHODS
Pterygoid process fractures in 100 patients with maxillary transverse fractures were observed 2- and 3-dimensionally using image processing software. Fracture line course and height and sphenoid sinus involvement were recorded.


RESULTS
Pterygoid process fractures were classified as follows: class I, vertical (simple separation between medial and lateral plates); or class II, transverse (3 subcategories according to location of fracture line: II-1, within pterygoid fossa; II-2, above pterygoid fossa, not extending to sphenoid sinus floor; II-3, above pterygoid fossa, involving sphenoid sinus floor). Class I fracture was observed on 5 sides (2.7%); II-1, on 125 (66.5%); II-2, on 36 (19.1%); and II-3, on 22 (1.7%).


CONCLUSIONS
Pterygoid process fractures were predominantly near the upper edge of the pterygoid fossa. Pneumatization of the pterygoid process is a risk in fractures involving the sphenoid sinus floor.
Associate Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China.
Jingang
J
An
Resident, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China.
Fanfan
F
Dai
Attending Physician, Department of Oral Radiology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China.
Zhipeng
Z
Sun
Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing, China. Electronic address: Zhangyi2000@263.net.
Yi
Y
Zhang
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D008440:Maxillary Fractures / Q000145:classification* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011857:Radiographic Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted; D012307:Risk Factors; D012887:Skull Fractures / Q000145:classification* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013100:Sphenoid Bone / Q000293:injuries; D013101:Sphenoid Sinus / Q000293:injuries; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed