Le Fort Fracture – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Patient Tools

Read, save, and share this guide

Use these quick tools to make this medical article easier to read, print, save, or share with a family member.

Patient Mode

Understand this article easily

Switch between simple English and easy Bangla patient notes. This is for education and does not replace a doctor consultation.

Le Fort Fracture are complex fractures of the midface, named after Rene Le Fort who studied cadaver skulls that were subjected to blunt force trauma. His experiments determined the areas of structural weakness of the maxilla designated as “lines of weakness” where fractures occurred. These fractures...

For severe symptoms, danger signs, pregnancy, child illness, or sudden worsening, seek urgent medical care.

বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

এই তথ্য শিক্ষা ও সচেতনতার জন্য। এটি ডাক্তারি পরীক্ষা, রোগ নির্ণয় বা প্রেসক্রিপশনের বিকল্প নয়।

Article Summary

Le Fort Fracture are complex fractures of the midface, named after Rene Le Fort who studied cadaver skulls that were subjected to blunt force trauma. His experiments determined the areas of structural weakness of the maxilla designated as “lines of weakness” where fractures occurred. These fractures are classified into 3 distinct groups based on the direction of the fracture: horizontal, pyramidal or transverse. The pterygoid plate...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Type of Fractures of Le Fort Fracture in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Causes of Le Fort Fracture in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Symptoms of Le Le Fort Fracture in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Diagnosis of Le Fort Fracture in simple medical language.
Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.
Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.
Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

  • Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
  • New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
  • Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.
1

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

2

See a doctor

Book a professional medical evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, recur often, affect daily activities, or occur in a high-risk patient.

3

Learn safely

Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

Before reading

RX Patient Tools

Use these quick guides before reading the article, or return to them when you need help preparing questions for a doctor.

Start here Choose the right pathway for symptoms, reports, medicines, or urgent warning signs. Disease article roadmap Read this topic step by step: meaning, symptoms, warning signs, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and follow-up. Treatment planner Prepare questions about treatment choices, benefits, risks, side effects, and follow-up. Family & caregiver guide Organize symptoms, reports, medicines, questions, and follow-up safely. Nutrition & diet guide Prepare food, hydration, supplement, and medicine-timing questions safely. Prevention guide Organize risk factors, protective habits, screening, and warning signs. Recovery guide Prepare a safe plan for activity, rehabilitation, warning signs, and follow-up.
Definition

Le Fort Fracture are complex fractures of the midface, named after Rene Le Fort who studied cadaver skulls that were subjected to blunt force trauma. His experiments determined the areas of structural weakness of the maxilla designated as “lines of weakness” where fractures occurred. These fractures are classified into 3 distinct groups based on the direction of the fracture: horizontal, pyramidal or transverse. The pterygoid plate is involved in all types of Le Fort fractures. This may result in a pterygomaxillary separation. The absence of a pterygoid fracture rules out a Le Fort fracture. However, the presence of a pterygoid fracture does not specifically indicate whether a Le Fort fracture exists. Up to one-third of pterygoid plate fractures do not result from a Le Fort fracture pattern.

Type of Fractures of Le Fort Fracture

Le Fort Type I

These fractures (trans-maxillary fracture) result from a force directed low on the maxillary rim in a downward direction. This occurs in the horizontal plane at the level of the base of the nose. A direct blow to the lower face causes fractures that involve all 3 walls of the maxillary sinus and pterygoid processes. The fracture extends around both maxillary antra, through the nasal septum and the pterygoid plates. This causes palate-facial separation. However, this fracture does not involve the glabella or zygoma.

Le Fort Type II

This pyramidal fracture occurs due to trauma to the midface. The fracture line begins in the region of the bridge of the nose (nasion) and extends obliquely through the medial aspect of the orbits and inferior orbital rims. It then continues posteriorly in a horizontal fashion above the hard palate to involve the pterygomaxillary buttresses, resulting in a disarticulation of the pyramid-shaped facial skeleton from the remainder of the skull. Note that the zygoma remains attached to the cranium.

Le Fort Type III

Also called cranial-facial separation, the fracture line in this injury passes from the nasofrontal area across the medial, posterior, and lateral orbital walls, the zygomatic arch, and through the upper portion of pterygoid plates.

Anatomic Level Classification

Le Fort Type I

Transverse fracture through the maxilla above the roots of the teeth, separating teeth from the upper face. These can be unilateral or bilateral.

Le Fort Type II

These fractures extend superiorly in the midface to include the nasal bridge, maxilla, lacrimal bones, orbital floor, and rim. They are pyramidal fractures with teeth at the base and nasal bone at the apex. These fractures are typically bilateral.

Le Fort Type III

This type of fracture starts at the bridge of the nose and extends posteriorly along the medial wall of the orbit and the floor of the orbit, and then through the lateral orbital wall and the zygomatic arch. The fractures run parallel with the base of the skull, separating the entire midfacial skeleton from the cranial base. This discontinuity between the skull and the face is termed craniofacial dissociation. This may be associated with a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.

Causes of Le Fort Fracture

A high percentage of facial injuries occur secondary to injuries, from sports such as football, baseball, and hockey. Le Fort fractures can also occur secondary to motor vehicle collisions, assault, and fall from a substantial height. Patients with Le Fort fractures often have associated head and cervical spine injuries.

  • Le Fort type I fractures may result from a force directed in a downward direction against the upper teeth.
  • Le Fort type II fractures result from a force to lower or mid maxilla.
  • Le Fort type III fractures are caused by impact to the nasal bridge and upper part of the maxilla

Le Fort Type I

These fractures result from a force directed low on the maxillary rim in a downward direction. Fractures extend from the nasal septum to lateral pyriform rims, and extend horizontally above the teeth, crossing below the zygomaxillary junction, then traversing the pterygomaxillary junction interrupting the pterygoid plates.

Le Fort Type II

These fractures result from a force to the lower or mid maxilla. This fracture has a pyramidal shape and extends from the nasal bridge at the nasofrontal suture through the maxilla. Inferolaterally, the fracture extends through the lacrimal bone and inferior orbital floor near the inferior orbital foramen and inferiorly through the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus. On the lateral aspect, it travels under the zygoma, across the pterygomaxillary fissure, and through the pterygoid plate.

Le Fort Type III

These fractures result from an impact to the nasal bridge or upper maxilla. This results in complete craniofacial dysjunction.

Symptoms of Le Le Fort Fracture

  • Le Fort I — Slight swelling of the upper lip, ecchymosis is present in the buccal sulcus beneath each zygomatic arch, malocclusion, mobility of teeth. Impacted type of fractures may be almost immobile and it is only by grasping the maxillary teeth and applying a little firm pressure that a characteristic grate can be felt which is diagnostic of the fracture. Percussion of upper teeth results in cracked pot sound. Guérin’s sign is present characterised by ecchymosis in the region of greater palatine vessels.
  • Le Fort II and Le Fort III (common) — Gross edema of soft tissue over the middle third of the face, bilateral circumorbital ecchymosis, bilateral subconjunctival hemorrhage, epistaxis, CSF rhinorrhoea, dish face deformity, diplopia, enophthalmos, cracked pot sound.
  • Le Fort II — Step deformity at the infraorbital margin, mobile mid-face, anesthesia or numbness. সহজ বাংলা: ঝিনঝিন/অবশ/জ্বালাভাব।" data-rx-term="paresthesia" data-rx-definition="Paresthesia means abnormal feelings such as tingling, pins and needles, burning, or numbness. সহজ বাংলা: ঝিনঝিন/অবশ/জ্বালাভাব।">paresthesia of cheek.
  • Le Fort IIIpain when an area is touched or pressed. সহজ বাংলা: চাপ দিলে ব্যথা।" data-rx-term="tenderness" data-rx-definition="Tenderness means pain when an area is touched or pressed. সহজ বাংলা: চাপ দিলে ব্যথা।">Tenderness and separation at the frontozygomatic suture, lengthening of face, depression of ocular levels (enophthalmos), hooding of eyes, and tilting of occlusal plane, an imaginary curved plane between the edges of the incisors and the tips of the posterior teeth. As a result, there is gagging on the side of injury.

Diagnosis of Le Fort Fracture

History

Your doctor in the emergency department may ask the following questions

  • How – How was the fracture created, and, if chronic, why is it still open? (underlying etiology)
  • When – How long has this fracture been present? (e.g., chronic less than 1 month or acute, more than 6 months)
  • What – What anatomy and structure do it involve? (e.g., epidermis, dermis, subcutaneous tissue, fascia, muscle, tendon, bone, arteries, nerves). What comorbidities, economic or social factors do the patient have which might affect their ability to heal the fracture?
  • Where – Where on the body parts is it located? Is it in an area that is difficult to offload, complicated, or keep clean? Is it in an area of high skin tension? Is it near any vital organ and structures such as a major artery?
  • What is your Past – Has your previous medical history of fracture? Are you suffering from any chronic disease, such as hypertension, blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, previous major surgery? What kind of medicine did you take? What is your food habits, geographic location, Alcohol, tea, coffee consumption habit,  anabolic steroid uses for athletes, etc?

Physical Examination

Physical examination is done by your doctor, consisting of palpation of the fracture site, eliciting boney pain when an area is touched or pressed. সহজ বাংলা: চাপ দিলে ব্যথা।" data-rx-term="tenderness" data-rx-definition="Tenderness means pain when an area is touched or pressed. সহজ বাংলা: চাপ দিলে ব্যথা।">tenderness, edema, swelling. If the fracture is in the dept of a joint, the joint motion, normal movement will aggravate the pain.

  • Inspection – Your doctor also check superficial tissue, skin color, involving or not only the epidermal layer or Partial-thickness affects the epidermis and extend into the dermis, but full-thickness also extends through the dermis and into the adipose tissues or full-thickness extends through the dermis, and adipose exposes muscle, bone, evaluate and measure the depth, length, and width of the fracture. Access surrounding skin tissue, fracture margins for tunneling, rolled, undermining fibrotic changes, and if unattached and evaluate for signs and symptoms of infect warm, pain, delayed healing.
  • Palpation – Physical examination may reveal tenderness to palpation, swelling, edema, tenderness, worm, temperature, open fracture, closed fracture, microtrauma, and ecchymosis at the site of fracture.
  • Motor function – Your doctor may ask the patient to move the injured area to assist in assessing muscle, ligament, and tendon function. The ability to move the joint means only that the muscles and tendons work properly, and does not guarantee bone integrity or stability. The concept that “it can’t be fractured because you can move it” is not correct. The jerk test and manual test are also performed to investigate the motor function.
  • Sensory examination – assesses sensations such as light touch, worm, paresthesia, itching, numbness, and pinprick sensations, in its fracture side.
  • Range of motion – A range of motion examination of the fracture associate joint and it’s surrounding joint may be helpful in assessing the muscle, tendon, ligament, cartilage stability. Active assisted, actively resisted exercises are performed around the injured area joint.
  • Blood pressure and pulse check – Blood pressure is the term used to describe the strength of blood with which your blood pushes on the sides of your arteries as it’s pumped around your body. An examination of the circulatory system, feeling for pulses, blood pressure, and assessing how quickly blood returns to the tip of a toe to heart and it is pressed the toe turns white (capillary refill).

Fracture specefic test

Le Fort Type I

Le Fort type I presents as a swollen upper lip, anterior open bite malocclusion, ecchymosis of the maxillary buccal vestibule and palate, and mobility of the maxilla.

Le Fort Type II

With a Le Fort type II fracture, there is significant deformity and swelling, widening of the intercanthal space (nasal septum fracture), mobility of the maxilla and nose as a combined segment, as well as bilateral periorbital edema and ecchymosis (raccoon eyes), epistaxis, anterior open bite malocclusion, ecchymosis of the maxillary buccal vestibule and palate, and possible CSF rhinorrhea. Since the fracture involves the inferior orbital rim and floor, there may be sensory deficits in the infraorbital region extending inferiorly to the upper lip.

Le Fort Type III

The most significant clinical findings are demonstrated by bilateral periorbital edema and ecchymosis (raccoon eyes), ecchymosis of the maxillary buccal vestibule and palate, lengthening of facial height- elongation and flattening of the face (dish-face deformity), orbital hooding, enophthalmos, ecchymosis over the mastoid region (Battle’s sign), CSF rhinorrhea, CSF otorrhea, and hemotympanum.

Evaluation

The initial evaluation of patients with maxillofacial trauma should follow advanced trauma life Support (ATLS) protocols. The primary survey includes airway and cervical spine stabilization, breathing and ventilatory support, attention to circulation and hemorrhage control, disability and neurologic evaluation, and exposure and environment control.

Airway obstruction associated with fractures of the midfacial skeleton can be life-threatening if not recognized promptly and treated appropriately. Orotracheal intubation is required when intranasal damage is a possibility. Airway obstruction in Le Fort injuries mainly occurs due to multiple sources bleeding into the upper airway, as well as midface altered airway anatomy. Beware that the risk of life-threatening hemorrhage in Le Fort II and III injuries is higher than that associated with other facial injuries.

Maxillofacial trauma is an obvious threat to the patient’s airway; therefore, a rapid evaluation must be performed to determine the need for a definitive airway. The concept of the definitive airway in cases of maxillofacial trauma is probably much more critical as compared to trauma to other body parts; therefore, an emergency airway may be required.

In a patient with complex maxillofacial trauma, cervical spine fracture should always be considered unless proven otherwise. Therefore, the cervical spine must be protected while providing airway management.

During the secondary survey, the assessment of maxillofacial fractures is performed after initial stabilization and resuscitation of the multisystem trauma patient. An ophthalmologic evaluation is required in Le Fort II and III fractures with orbital involvement. This should be completed before surgery to ensure there is no globe injury.

The mobility of the face should be tested on both sides as well as in the midline. The type of Le Fort fracture is determined by which regions are mobile.

  • Le Fort I: Mobility of the maxilla; maxilla is free from the rest of the facial bones (floating palate)
  • Le Fort II: Mobility of the maxilla and nose as a combined segment
  • Le Fort III: Mobilized segment to include the maxilla, nose, and zygomas

A CT scan of facial bones is required to fully and adequately assess the extent of bone and soft tissue involvement. Plain radiographs are not sufficient for evaluation. Beware that penetrating trauma to the midface may involve injury to the brain and major vascular structures. Therefore, a CT scan of the head and diagnostic angiography should also be considered.

Treatment of Le Le Fort Fracture

Do no HARM for 72 hours after injury

  • Heat—hot baths, electric heat, saunas, heat packs, etc has the opposite effect on the blood flow. Heat may cause more fluid accumulation in the fracture joints by encouraging blood flow. Heat should be avoided when inflammation is developing in the acute stage. However, after about 72 hours, no further inflammation is likely to develop and heat can be soothing.
  • Alcohol stimulates the central nervous system that can increase bleeding and swelling and decrease healing.
  • Running, and walking may cause further damage, and causes healing delay.
  • Massage also may increase bleeding and swelling. However, after 72 hours of your fracture, you can take a simple message, and applying heat may be soothing the pain.

Medication

The following medications may be considered by your doctor to relieve acute and immediate pain, long term treatment

What To Eat and What  to avoid

Eat Nutritiously During Your Recovery

All bones and tissues in the body need certain micronutrients in order to heal properly and in a timely manner. Eating a nutritious and balanced diet that includes lots of minerals and vitamins is proven to help heal broken bones and all types of fractures. Therefore, focus on eating lots of fresh food produce (fruits and veggies), whole grains, cereal, beans, lean meats, seafood, and fish to give your body the building blocks needed to properly repair your fracture. In addition, drink plenty of purified mineral water, milk, and other dairy-based beverages to augment what you eat.

  • Broken bones or fractures bones need ample minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, boron, selenium, omega-3) and protein to become strong and healthy again.
  • Excellent sources of minerals/protein include dairy products, tofu, beans, broccoli, nuts and seeds, sardines, sea fish, and salmon.
  • Important vitamins that are needed for bone healing include vitamin C (needed to make collagen that your body essential element), vitamin D (crucial for mineral absorption, or machine for mineral absorber from your food), and vitamin K (binds calcium to bones and triggers more quickly collagen formation).
  • Conversely, don’t consume food or drink that is known to impair bone/tissue healing, such as alcoholic beverages, sodas, fried fast food, most fast food items, and foods made with lots of refined sugars and preservatives.

The initial evaluation and stabilization should be performed in conjunction with a trauma surgeon. Definitive surgery should be performed after stabilization when life-threatening injuries are addressed. Le Fort fractures require fixation of unstable fracture segments to stable structures. The goals of fracture management are to:

  • Restore the facial projection and the involved sinus cavities
  • Reestablish proper occlusion of teeth; note that proper repair cannot be performed without good occlusion
  • Restore the integrity of the nose and orbit

Le Fort fractures may be associated with other injuries such as dental or alveolar ridge fractures (alveolar and palatal fractures are commonly associated with all types of Le Fort fractures and make the repair more difficult and complex), cerebrospinal fluid leaks, and severe epistaxis.

In type III, significant facial swelling, deformity, and orbital ecchymosis are almost always present.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in patients with CSF leak remains controversial and should be considered at the discretion of the treating neurosurgeon.

References

Doctor visit helper

Prepare before seeing a doctor

A simple rural-patient checklist to help you explain symptoms clearly, ask better questions, and avoid unsafe self-treatment.

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
  • Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
  • Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
  • When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

  • Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
  • Basic physical examination by a clinician
  • CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
  • Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
  • Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

  • Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
  • Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
  • Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Orthopedic / spine specialist, physical medicine doctor, or qualified clinician
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Neurological examination for leg power, sensation, reflexes, and straight leg raise
  • X-ray only if injury, deformity, long-lasting pain, or doctor suspects bone problem
  • MRI discussion if severe nerve symptoms, weakness, bladder/bowel problem, or persistent symptoms
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
  • Is physiotherapy, posture correction, or activity modification needed?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Care roadmap for: Le Fort Fracture – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area from the RX Article Professional Blocks panel.