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Midface Fractures (Le Fort)

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery • NEET MDS Study Guide • AI-Generated Notes

⭐ High-Yield Facts for Exam

  • Le Fort I = floating palate (horizontal).
  • Le Fort II = pyramidal.
  • Le Fort III = craniofacial dysjunction.
  • All Le Fort fractures involve pterygoid plates.
  • ZMC = tripod fracture, multi-point fixation.

Midface (Le Fort) Fractures

René Le Fort described three classic midface fracture lines; all involve the pterygoid plates.

  • Le Fort I — horizontal fracture above the apices → a 'floating palate' (separates the alveolus/palate).
  • Le Fort II — pyramidal fracture through the nasal bones, orbital floor, and maxilla.
  • Le Fort III — craniofacial dysjunction, complete separation of the midface from the cranial base.

ZMC Fracture

The zygomaticomaxillary complex ('tripod/quadripod') fracture involves the zygomaticofrontal, zygomaticomaxillary and zygomaticotemporal regions; managed by open reduction and fixation at multiple points.

Exam Tips ⭐

Le Fort I = floating palate; II = pyramidal; III = craniofacial dysjunction; all involve pterygoid plates.

📝 Practice MCQs — Midface Fractures (Le Fort)

Q1. A 'floating palate' is characteristic of which fracture?
A. Le Fort I
B. Le Fort II
C. Le Fort III
D. ZMC
Show Answer
✅ Answer: A
Le Fort I separates the alveolus/palate (floating palate).
Q2. Le Fort II fracture is described as:
A. Horizontal
B. Pyramidal
C. Craniofacial dysjunction
D. Tripod
Show Answer
✅ Answer: B
Le Fort II is a pyramidal fracture.
Q3. A feature common to ALL Le Fort fractures is involvement of the:
A. Nasal bones
B. Pterygoid plates
C. Zygomatic arch
D. Orbital rim
Show Answer
✅ Answer: B
All Le Fort fractures involve the pterygoid plates.
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