Dolan's lines

Last revised by Mohd Ashyiraff Ilani Bin Ismail on 3 Dec 2024

Dolan's lines are the collective name given to three lines described by Dolan and Jacoby 1 that aid in evaluating for maxillofacial fractures on an occipitomental skull radiograph. They are usually used as an adjunct to McGrigor-Campbell lines. Dolan's line may aid in diagnosing zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fracture or tripod fracture.

  • orbital line traces the inner margins of the lateral, inferior, and medial orbital walls, and the nasal arch

  • zygomatic line traces the superior margin of the zygomatic arch and body, extending along the frontal process of the zygoma to the zygomaticofrontal suture

  • maxillary line traces the inferior margin of the zygomatic arch, body, and buttress, and the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus

Together, the zygomatic and maxillary lines comprise the visual likeness of an elephant's head in profile, aptly named "Dolan's elephant".

The authors also described lines for assessing for fractures on the modified Caldwell radiograph.

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