title: Foreign bodies in the maxillofacial region: assessment with multidetector computed tomography.
abstract: Maxillofacial region is an anatomically complex area, representing a crossroads of different systems and apparatus. It is defined as the anatomical region lying on the facial skeleton from the inferior outline of maxilla up to an ideal plane passing through the skull base and the inion point, posteriorly. In this area, the digestive and respiratory systems connect to themselves and open in the mouth and sino-nasal cavities. Even the orbits with the ocular globes and their surrounding tissues lie in the same area. Despite the little exposed surface, the chance of penetrating injuries to this site is at least similar to other regions of the body due to the "pivotal role" of the face in human relations. Moreover, the external openings of respiratory and digestive systems and the orbital cavities represent an easy way in for foreign bodies (FBs). Based on the access paths, it is possible to distinguish ingested, inhaled, penetrating, and iatrogenic (owing to surgery) FBs. FB may stop in oral and ocular cavities, or proceed deeply, reaching the surrounding soft tissues, the facial bones, or other cavities such as sino-nasal region, mouth, orbits, and further spaces of the head and neck region, like infratemporal fossa, parapharyngeal space, and sphenopalatine fossa. Furthermore, FBs accidentally introduced and lost in visceral cavities (mouth, ear, and nose), particularly in pediatric subjects, may be quickly removed during direct inspection.
authors: Department of Internal and Experimental Medicine, Magrassi-Lanzara, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy. Electronic address: alfonso.reginelli@unina2.it.
authors: Alfonso
authors: A
authors: Reginelli
authors: Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Dental Specialties, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors: Mario
authors: M
authors: Santagata
authors: Department of Internal and Experimental Medicine, Magrassi-Lanzara, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors: Fabrizio
authors: F
authors: Urraro
authors: Department of Internal and Experimental Medicine, Magrassi-Lanzara, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Somma
authors: Department of Internal and Experimental Medicine, Magrassi-Lanzara, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Izzo
authors: Department of Internal and Experimental Medicine, Magrassi-Lanzara, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors: Salvatore
authors: S
authors: Cappabianca
authors: Department of Internal and Experimental Medicine, Magrassi-Lanzara, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors: Antonio
authors: A
authors: Rotondo
mesh_terms: D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008446:Maxillofacial Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D061330:Multidetector Computed Tomography / Q000379:methods*; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*