Author(s): Dr George Bitar, Dr Philip Touska

Hospital: The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Reference: RAD Magazine, 47, 554, 25-26

Excerpt:

Facial fractures are commonly encountered in UK emergency departments and, while blunt and penetrating trauma to the neck is less common, it accounts for an important minority of cases. Patients are typically initially evaluated using the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocol to identify life-threatening injuries that require urgent management. Clinical assessment is subsequently complemented by radiological investigations in order to identify and assess the extent of injuries as well as aid surgical planning.