In Le Fort fractures, higher numbers correspond to which location?

• A. Lower location on the skull
• B. Higher location on the skull
• C. No skull involvement
• D. More severe bleeding

Answer: (B)

Understanding Le Fort fractures involves recognizing that the numbers indicate how high the fracture line runs in the facial bones. A fracture with a lower number sits closer to the teeth and jaw, while higher numbers mean the fracture line is higher up toward the skull base. So as the number increases, the fracture involves a higher location in the midface and toward the skull base. Specifically, Le Fort I is a horizontal break across the maxilla below the nose and above the teeth; Le Fort II moves higher through the maxilla and nasal bridge; Le Fort III is the highest, a craniofacial disjunction that crosses the zygomatic arches and orbital rims. Therefore, higher numbers correspond to higher location on the skull.