Abstract
Background:
Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for diagnosing maxillofacial trauma, yet variability in radiology report terminology and structure can lead to miscommunication and suboptimal care.
Objective:
To compare subspecialty perspectives and evaluate expert consensus on key elements of a standardized radiologic reporting protocol for maxillofacial trauma.
Methods:
A Delphi process was conducted involving 13 national experts. Participants completed two survey rounds addressing reporting practices for specific fracture subsites, terminology, and the utility of a checklist-based reporting template. Consensus was defined as ≥ 75% agreement within one Likert scale point.
Results:
Thirteen experts established consensus across two Delphi rounds on multiple reporting elements. Clinically familiar groupings, including zygomaticomaxillary complex, naso-orbito-ethmoid, and Le Fort patterns, reached greater than 75% agreement, as did several other subsite-specific reporting elements. Areas without consensus included the routine use of structured templates, select subsite-specific descriptors, and the reporting of clinically inferred findings like extraocular muscle entrapment.
Conclusion:
This Delphi study produced a multispecialty, consensus-derived framework to standardize CT reporting elements for maxillofacial trauma.
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Supplementary Material
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