Exams and Tests

• Nasal fracture
  
  
  • Even if you have an injury to your nose, it is rare that x-rays will be needed to guide the treatment. A nasal fracture is usually diagnosed by physical exam. The initial care for a nasal injury does not change even if you have a fracture.
    
    
  • If a fracture of the bones high up inside the nose (ethmoid bones) is suspected, the doctor may order a CT scan.
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• Jaw (mandibular) fracture: If you have a possible jaw fracture, your doctor may order an x-ray. Sometimes a special dental x-ray machine may be used to help in the diagnosis. Not all hospitals have this equipment.
  
  
• Midface (maxillary) fracture
  
  
  • Because they are most often caused in car accidents, fractures of your midface are often associated with other significant, potentially life-threatening injuries. So diagnosing a facial fracture is often not the most important part of your early treatment.
    
    
  • After you are stabilized, a CT scan of the face is the most useful to check for a midface fracture.
  
  
• Cheekbone (zygomatic) fracture
  
  
  • If you are evaluated right away, the doctor can usually diagnose these by physical exam. This becomes more difficult with time because of swelling.
    
    
  • Special x-ray views of the zygomatic bone are often helpful. If you have a severe fracture involving other bones of the face, your doctor may also order a CT scan to get more information.
  
  
• Eye socket (orbital) fracture
  
  
  • X-rays may be helpful in the initial diagnosis.
    
    
  • If a fracture of your eye socket is shown on your x-ray, you will probably have a CT scan to get more information.
  
  
• Temporomandibular joint dislocation
  
  
  • If the dislocation is the result of trauma, an x-ray will be done to rule out a fracture of the jaw.
    
    
  • You will not need an x-ray if you have a spontaneous or recurrent dislocation.