Which symptom is more common in a Le Fort 3 fracture?

In the context of a Le Fort 3 fracture, which involves separation of the facial skeleton from the cranial base, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea is notably more common. This type of fracture compromises the integrity of the skull base and can disrupt the barriers between the cranial cavity and the nasal passages, facilitating the escape of CSF into the nasal cavity. Therefore, when there is a significant injury to the facial skeleton and skull base, symptoms such as CSF rhinorrhea can manifest due to this traumatic breach.

While malocclusion of teeth, palate mobility, and paraesthesia of the infraorbital region can also be associated with such fractures, they do not occur with the same frequency or significance as CSF rhinorrhea in the context of a Le Fort 3 injury. The presence of CSF leakage is a critical sign indicating potential complications, including but not limited to infection risk or further neurological assessment, making it an important symptom to recognize in managing patients with this type of fracture.