Manejo de las fracturas maxilofaciales y sus complicaciones / Management of maxillofacial fractures and its complications

RESUMEN Antecedentes: el trauma maxilofacial corresponde a toda lesión traumática del macizo facial. Actualmente representa uno de los problemas de salud más importantes en el mundo. Nuestro objetivo es realizar un análisis de nuestra experiencia en las intervenciones realizadas en pacientes internados y sus complicaciones. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y observacional de 205 pacientes con fracturas maxilofaciales desde el año 2011 hasta el año 2019. Resultados: el 81,46% fueron hombres (n: 167) y el rango etario más afectado osciló entre los 21 y 30 años con el 38,54% (n:79). El accidente de tránsito 56,1% (n:115) fue el mecanismo de trauma más frecuente. Los tipos de fracturas faciales fueron: panfaciales 12,2% (n: 25), tercio superior 1,46% (n:3), tercio medio 72,2% (n:148) y tercio inferior 14,15% (n:29). Dentro del tercio superior, el 66,67% (n:2) fueron fracturas del seno frontal asociadas al hueso frontal, en el tercio medio las combinadas en un 54,73% (n:81) y en el tercio inferior, las complejas en el 34,48% (n:10). Fueron intervenidos 199 pacientes (97,07%). Solo el 11,56% (n:23) presentó alguna complicación. No se observaron complicaciones graves. Discusión: según nuestra serie, la mayoría de los pacientes fueron hombres jóvenes; la causa más frecuente, el accidente de tránsito, y el tercio medio, el más afectado, resultados estos similares a los de otros estudios publicados. El tratamiento quirúrgico fue principalmente reducción abierta y fijación con material de osteosíntesis de titanio, un procedimiento seguro y fiable, que permite restablecer la funcionalidad previa al traumatismo, con un índice muy bajo de complicaciones posoperatorias.

ABSTRACT Background: Maxillofacial trauma corresponds to all traumatic injuries affecting the facial bones. Nowadays, it represents one of the main healthcare issues worldwide. The aim of this study is to analyze our experience in the interventions performed in hospitalized and their complications. Material and methods: We performed a retrospective and observational study of 205 patients with maxillofacial fractures from 2011 to 2019. Results: 81.46% were men (n = 167) and 38.54% (n = 79) of the patients were between 21 and 30 years of age. Traffic collision was the most common mechanism of trauma (56,1%, n = 115). The types of facial fractures were panfacial (12.2%; n = 25), of the upper-third (1.43%; n = 3), of the middle-third (72.2%; n = 148) and of the lower third (14.15%; n = 29). In the upper third of the face frontal sinus fractures associated with the frontal bone were the most common (66.67%; n =2); in the middle-third combined fractures were most prevalent (54.73%; n = 81) while complex fractures were most frequent in the lower third (34,48%; n = 10). One-hundred and ninety-one patients were operated on (97.07%). Complications occurred in only 11.56% (n = 23) and were not serious. Discusion: In our series, most patients were young men, traffic collisions were the most common cause of trauma, and the middle third of the face was the most affected region. These results are similar to our publications. Surgical management, mostly by open reduction and fixation with titanium-based osteosynthesis material, is an effective, safe and reliable procedure, which allows the restoration of pre-trauma function, with very low rate of postoperative complications.

Clinical outcomes of immediate implantation and provisionalization combined with guided bone regeneration for a single anterior maxillary tooth with a thin facial bone phenotype / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To study the postoperative soft and hard tissue changes and aesthetic effect of immediate implantation and provisionalization (IIPP) combined with guided bone regeneration (GBR) for a single anterior maxillary tooth with a thin facial bone phenotype.@*Methods @# A total of 34 patients with thin facial bone (<1 mm) were categorized into two groups: a flapped GBR group and a flapless group. Tooth extraction and IIPP were conducted at the sites in both groups. Implant survival rates, dimensional changes in soft and hard tissues during the six- and twelve-month follow-ups, the pink esthetic score (PES) and patient satisfaction scores at the twelve-month follow-up were measured.@*Results @#The implant survival rates were 100% in both groups, and no complications occurred during the 12 months after surgery. The facial bone thickness remained over 2 mm on all measured sides, and the height of the facial bone crest remained at 1.39 mm at the 12-month follow-up in the flapped GBR group, while the facial bone thickness remained less than 2 mm on all measured sides, and the height of the facial bone crest remained at 1.03 mm at the 12-month follow-up in the flapless group. The absorption of facial bone at all measured sides in the flapped GBR group was greater than that in the flapless group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the dimensional changes of labial soft tissues during the six- and twelve-month follow-ups (P>0.05). The mean PES scores were 10.29 ± 2.34 for the flap GBR group and 10.12±1.78 for the flapless group (P = 0.807). The mean patient satisfaction scores were 8.65 ± 1.27 in the flapped GBR group and 8.76 ± 1.25 in the flapless group, and the patients in both of the groups were satisfied with the esthetic outcomes (P = 0.787). @*Conclusion @#IIPP combined with GBR might be a prospective treatment strategy for a single anterior maxillary tooth with a thin facial bone phenotype, but the esthetic risks should never be ignored.

Delayed contralateral traumatic carotid cavernous fistula after craniomaxillofacial fractures

A carotid-cavernous sinus fistula is a rare condition in which an abnormal communication exists between the internal or external carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. It typically occurs within a few weeks after craniomaxillofacial trauma. In most cases, the carotid-cavernous sinus fistula occurs on the same side as the craniomaxillofacial fracture. We report a case of delayed carotidcavernous sinus fistula that developed symptoms 7 months after the craniomaxillofacial fracture. The fistula developed on the side opposite to that of the craniomaxillofacial fracture. Based on our experience with this case, we recommend a long follow-up period of 7–8 months after the occurrence of a craniomaxillofacial fracture. We also recommend that the follow-up should include consideration of the side contralateral to the injury.

The clinical usefulness of closed reduction of nasal bone using only a periosteal elevator with a rubber band

BACKGROUND: Closed reduction of nasal fracture with various instrument is performed to treat nasal fracture. Depending on the type of nasal fracture and the situation in which it is being operated, the surgeon will determine the surgical tool. The objective of this study was to investigate whether a periosteal elevator (PE) was a proper device to perform closed reduction for patients with simple nasal fractures. METHODS: From March 2018 to December 2018, 50 cases of simple nasal bone fracture underwent closed reduction performed by a single surgeon. These patients were divided into two groups randomly: nasal bone reduction was performed using only PE (freer) and nasal bone reduction was performed using Walsham, Asch forcep, and Boies elevator (non-freer, non-PE). RESULTS: The paranasal sinus computed tomography was performed on patients before and after operation to carry out an accurate measurement of reduction distance at the same level. According to the results, the interaction between instruments and fracture types had a significant influence on reduction distance (p = 0.021). To be specific, reduction distance was significantly (p= 0.004) increased by 2.157 mm when PE was used to treat patients with partial displacement compared to that when non-PEs were used. CONCLUSION: Closed reduction using PE and other elevator is generally an effective treatment for nasal fracture. In partial-displacement type of simple nasal fracture, closed reduction using PE can have considerable success in comparison with using classic instruments.

Trauma maxilofacial en el Servicio de Urgencias del Hospital Universitario "General Calixto García". 2016-2017 / Maxillofacial Trauma in the Emergency Service of General Calixto García University Hospital. 2016-2017

Introducción: La región maxilofacial es vulnerable a lesiones. En Cuba son escasos los estudios realizados sobre la atención en la urgencia dentro de la traumatología maxilofacial, por lo que surgió la motivación para realizar esta investigación. Objetivo: Caracterizar desde el punto de vista clínico-epidemiológico el trauma maxilofacial en el Servicio de Urgencias del Hospital General Calixto García en el período de junio 2016 a junio 2017. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal del universo de pacientes (2412 pacientes) atendidos en el Servicio de Urgencias del Hospital Universitario General Calixto García, desde junio del 2016 a junio del 2017; que tuvieron como diagnóstico trauma maxilofacial. Las variables empleadas fueron: grupos de edad, sexo, factor etiológico, tipo de lesión, conducta terapéutica. Resultados: En el estudio los pacientes con edades comprendidas entre 19 y 30 años representaron 41,0 por ciento; el sexo masculino 69,0 por ciento y los accidentes de tránsito 34,6 por ciento. Las lesiones de tejido duro más frecuentes fueron las fracturas nasales (13,9 por ciento); y de tejidos blandos las heridas puramente tegumentarias (82,1 por ciento). La colocación de vendajes se utilizó en 89,1 por ciento, y la sutura de heridas en 84,1 por ciento. Conclusiones: El comportamiento del trauma maxilofacial en el Servicio de Urgencias del Hospital Universitario General Calixto García, muestra que es predominante en hombres de edad intermedia y debido a accidentes de tránsito. Hay superioridad de lesiones de tejido blando y dentro de estas, de heridas puramente tegumentarias. La conducta conservadora, en su modalidad de colocación de vendaje, es la más empleada(AU)

Introduction: The maxillofacial region is vulnerable to injuries. In Cuba, few studies related to urgent care services have been carried out in maxillofacial traumatology, which led to an increase of motivation to conduct this research. Objective: To characterize maxillofacial trauma from a clinical and epidemiological point of view in patients treated in General Calixto García Hospital from June 2016 to June 2017. Material and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with the universe of patients (2412 ones) that were treated in the Emergency Service of General Calixto García University Hospital with the diagnosis of maxillofacial trauma from June 2016 to June 2017. The variables used were: age groups, sex, etiological factor, type of injury, and therapeutic behavior. Results: In the study, the patients aged between 19 and 30 years represented 41.0 percent; the male sex 69.0 percent; and the traffic accidents 34.6 percent. The most frequent hard tissue injuries were nasal fractures (13.9 percent); and the soft tissue injuries were purely integumentary wounds (82.1 percent). Bandage placement was used in 89.1 percent, and wound suture in 84.1 percent. Conclusions: The behavior of the maxillofacial trauma in the Emergency Service of General Calixto García University Hospital, showed that it predominates in men of middle age due to traffic accidents. Soft tissue injuries were the predominant type of injuries, among them, the purely integumentary wounds. The conservative behavior in its modality of bandage placement was the most commonly used(AU)

Reduction of Isolated Zygomatic Arch Fractures with Gillies Approach / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The incidence of facial bone fracture is increasing. The zygomatic bone, due to its anatomical prominence, is the second most common site of all facial bone fractures. In this study, we present the clinical experiences of zygomatic arch fracture in a tertiary hospital and introduce the Gillies approach for reduction and its outcome results. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We collected data from retrospective chart reviews of patients who underwent surgeries from 2010 to 2017 for zygomatic arch fractures at Chungbuk National University Hospital. Data were analyzed according to age, gender, cause of trauma, location of trauma, and clinical symptoms including trismus. All surgery was performed under general anesthesia and via the use of Gillies approach. The result of surgery was evaluated by postoperative facial computed tomography. RESULTS: Sixteen patients underwent surgery for zygomatic arch fracture. The patients had the average age of 41.3 years, a male predominance of 15:1 and physical assault as the most common cause of trauma. The time lag between injury and surgical reduction was 5.5 days. The surgical outcomes were assessed “good” in 14 cases and “moderate” in one case. Patients who had trismus preoperatively were resolved of it in all cases after operation. Postoperative complications were absent. CONCLUSION: The Gillies approach proved to be a relatively easy, safe, and reliable method, and its surgical outcomes was satisfactory in our experiences.

A Retrospective Analysis of 303 Cases of Facial Bone Fracture: Socioeconomic Status and Injury Characteristics

BACKGROUND: The incidence and etiology of facial bone fracture differ widely according to time and geographic setting. Because of this, prevention and management of facial bone fracture requires ongoing research. This study examines the relationship between socioeconomic status and the incidence of facial bone fractures in patients who had been admitted for facial bone fractures. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed for all patients admitted for facial bone fracture at the National Medical Center (Seoul, Korea) from 2010 to 2014. We sought correlations amongst age, gender, fracture type, injury mechanism, alcohol consumption, and type of medical insurance. RESULTS: Out of the 303 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 214 (70.6%) patients were enrolled in National Health Insurance (NHI), 46 (15.2%) patients had Medical Aid, and 43 (14.2%) patients were homeless. The main causes of facial bone fractures were accidental trauma (51.4%), physical altercation (23.1%), and traffic accident (14.2%). On Pearson's chi-square test, alcohol consumption was correlated significantly with accidental trauma (p<0.05). And, the ratio of alcohol consumption leading to facial bone fractures differed significantly in the homeless group compared to the NHI group and the Medical Aid group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We found a significant inverse correlation between economic status and the incidence of facial bone fractures caused by alcohol consumption. Our findings indicate that more elaborate guidelines and prevention programs are needed for socioeconomically marginalized populations.

The Clinical Usefulness of Ultrasound-Aided Fixation Using an Absorbable Plate System in Patients with Zygomatico-Maxillary Fracture

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-aided fixation is a recently developed alternative method of treatment of zygomatico-maxillary (ZM) fracture, and it can resolve the problems of excessive torsion force and subsequent fractures of screws. We conducted this study to evaluate the clinical usefulness of ultrasound-aided fixation as compared with the conventional fixation method using a drill and an expander in patients with ZM fracture. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study in 35 patients with ZM fracture who had been treated at our hospital during a period ranging from March of 2008 to December of 2010. We divided them into two groups: an ultrasound-aided fixation group, comprising 13 patients who underwent ultrasound-aided fixation (SonicWeld Rx, KLS Martin), and a conventional group, comprising 22 patients who underwent conventional fixation (Biosorb FX, Linvatec Biomaterials Ltd.). We compared such variables as sex, direction, age at operation, follow-up period, operation duration, number of fixed holes, and time to discharge between the two groups. RESULTS: The ultrasound-aided fixation reduced the operation duration by about 30 minutes as compared with that of conventional fixation. There was no significant difference in follow-up period, number of fixed holes, or time to discharge between the two groups. Furthermore, there were no complications in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasound-aided fixation of fractured ZM bone using an absorbable implant system is safe and effective in promptly reducing the bone fracture and providing satisfactory cosmetic outcomes over time.

Delayed Reduction of Facial Bone Fractures

Except for special situations, it is generally agreed that best results in the treatment of facial fractures is expected if reduction is done within the first 2 or 3 weeks after injury. We reduced facial bone fractures at 4 to 7 weeks after trauma. A 44-year-old female patient underwent open reduction for her right zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture at 7 weeks after injury. A 59-year-old female patient underwent surgery for the right mandible body and left parasymphysis fractures at 4 weeks after injury. Using traditional approaches, granulation tissue and callus were removed from the fracture sites, and malunited fracture lines were separated by a small osteotome. We reduced the displaced fractured zygoma and mandible to their normal anatomical positions and fixed them using titanium plates. No complications such as asymmetry, malunion, malocclusion, or trismus were seen. Unfavorable asymmetric facial contours were corrected, and we obtained good occlusion with favorable bony alignment. The functional and aesthetic outcomes were satisfactory. Through removal the callus and limited osteotomy, a successful approach to the previously fractured line was possible, and an exact correction with symmetry was obtained. This method can be a good option for obtaining good mobility and clinical results in treating delayed facial bone fractures.

Finite element analysis of the effects of a mouthguard on stress distribution of facial bone and skull under mandibular impacts / 대한치과보철학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a mouthguard on stress distribution under mandibular impact. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The FEM model of head consisted of skull, maxilla, mandible, articular disc, teeth, and mouthguard. The impact locations on mandible were gnathion, the center of inferior border, and the anterior edge of gonial angle. And the impact directions were vertical, oblique (45degrees), and horizontal. The impact load was 800 N for 0.1 sec. RESULTS: When vertical impact was applied, the similar stress and the distribution pattern was occurred without the relation of the mouthguard use (P>.05). The model with mouthguard was dispersed the stress to the teeth, the facial bone and the skull when the oblique (45degrees) impacts were happened. However, the stress was centralized on the teeth in the model without mouthguard (P<.05). The model with mouthguard was dispersed the stress to the teeth, the facial bone and the skull when the horizontal impacts was occurred. However, the stress was centralized on the teeth without mouthguard (P<.05). For all impact loads, stress concentrated on maxillary anterior teeth in model without mouthguard, on the contrary, the stress was low in the model with mouthguard and distributed broadly on maxillary anterior teeth, facial bone, and skull. CONCLUSION: The mouthguard was less effective at shock absorbing when vertical impact was added. However, it was approved that mouthguard absorbed the shock regarded to the oblique (45degrees) and horizontal impact by dispersing the shock to the broader areas and decreasing the stress.

Significant Intraocular Sequelae in Orbital Blunt Trauma and Their Association with Blowout Fracture

PURPOSE: To investigate the frequency of significant intraocular sequelae (SIOS) in orbital blunt trauma and their association with blowout and facial bone fractures. METHODS: A retrospective survey consisting of 726 patients with orbital blunt trauma who visited Korea University Medical Center was performed. Patients were divided into three groups: blowout fracture only group (group 1), facial bone fracture group (nasal bone fracture, maxillary fracture, zygoma fracture without blowout fracture, group 2), and non-fracture group (group 3). SIOS (traumatic iridocyclitis, commotio retina, hyphema, retinal hemorrhage, eyeball rupture, vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, lens dislocation, traumatic cataract) were surveyed in each group, and the association between the frequency of SIOS and the presence of blowout fracture or facial bone fracture was analyzed. RESULTS: The frequency of SIOS in the fracture groups was 83.8% in group 1 and 73.3% in group 2, which were both higher than the 67.9% in group 3, the non-fracture group (p = 0.000 by chi-square linear by linear association). Traumatic iridocyclitis and hyphema were also significantly higher in groups 1 and 2 than group 3 (p = 0.003, p = 0.008 by chi-square linear by linear association). CONCLUSIONS: SIOS was found significantly more often in the fracture group than the group without fracture, although the frequency of severe SIOS was lower in the fracture group than the non-fracture group. The results from the present study could help in the treatment and management of patients with orbital blunt trauma.

Statistical Analysis of Factors Associated with Facial Bone Fractures

PURPOSE: Statistical analysis of facial bone fractures has been performed in various papers. However, reports on risk factors for facial bone fractures are rare. In order to prevent facial bone fractures, it is important to determine the risk factors for their occurrence. This study seeks to perform a statistical analysis on and identify the risk factors associated with facial bone fractures. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed to assess facial bone fractures in patients presenting from October 2009 to January 2011 through a chart review. The data collected included age, gender, etiology, and alcohol consumption. Data was analyzed using multinomial logistic regression analysis. The significance level was set at p<0.05 and SAS ver. 9.2 was used. RESULTS: A total of 489 patients were analyzed. The patients' age ranged from 2 to 85 years (mean age, 31.8+/-15.4 years). The ratio of men to women was 5.0:1. The predominant group was age below 19 years old (30.9%). The main causes of facial bone fractures were assaults (37.8%), falls (27.2%), and sport accidents (19.5%). On multinomial logistic regression analysis, age, especially in the teen group was associated with assaults (p<0.05) resulting in facial bone fractures. Alcohol consumption was significantly associated with assaults and falls (p<0.05) leading to facial bone fractures. CONCLUSION: Facial bone fracture is a challenging problem, because of its high incidence and financial cost. The findings of this study indicate that more effective policies aimed at reducing alcohol intake and teenage violence are needed.

Statistical Analysis of Factors Associated with Facial Bone Fractures

PURPOSE: Statistical analysis of facial bone fractures has been performed in various papers. However, reports on risk factors for facial bone fractures are rare. In order to prevent facial bone fractures, it is important to determine the risk factors for their occurrence. This study seeks to perform a statistical analysis on and identify the risk factors associated with facial bone fractures. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed to assess facial bone fractures in patients presenting from October 2009 to January 2011 through a chart review. The data collected included age, gender, etiology, and alcohol consumption. Data was analyzed using multinomial logistic regression analysis. The significance level was set at p<0.05 and SAS ver. 9.2 was used. RESULTS: A total of 489 patients were analyzed. The patients' age ranged from 2 to 85 years (mean age, 31.8+/-15.4 years). The ratio of men to women was 5.0:1. The predominant group was age below 19 years old (30.9%). The main causes of facial bone fractures were assaults (37.8%), falls (27.2%), and sport accidents (19.5%). On multinomial logistic regression analysis, age, especially in the teen group was associated with assaults (p<0.05) resulting in facial bone fractures. Alcohol consumption was significantly associated with assaults and falls (p<0.05) leading to facial bone fractures. CONCLUSION: Facial bone fracture is a challenging problem, because of its high incidence and financial cost. The findings of this study indicate that more effective policies aimed at reducing alcohol intake and teenage violence are needed.

The Accuracy Rate in Comprehension of Aspects of Nasal Bone Fracture Based on Simple X-ray and 2D CT Compared with 3D Image

PURPOSE: The nasal bone fracture is known as the most common facial fracture, with the postoperative results and the patient's satisfaction known to be lower than other facial fractures. The patient's satisfaction is firstly related to the accurate comprehension of the spatial relationship in the fractured nasal bone and secondly to the accurate reduction based on accurate comprehension. The aim of this study is to evaluate the objective usefulness of the three-dimensional (3D) imaging. METHODS: The survey was conducted on 10 randomly selected cases of nasal bone fractures among the 46 cases with 3D computed tomography (CT) during the past one year. It was requested upon 4 plastic residents and 4 plastic surgeons to draw 3D aspect of fractured nasal bone directly on the printed photos of cadaver nasal bone, based on simple X-ray and twodimensional (2D) CT. They were compared with the real fractured nasal bone aspects based on the 3D image and marked the difference in the 10-point scale of 0 to 10. RESULTS: The average score of the 4 residents was 1.62 and that of the 4 surgeons was 4.47 out of 10 by simple X-ray. The average score of the 4 residents was 5.67 and that of the 4 surgeons was 7.25 out of 10 by 2D CT. CONCLUSION: It was surmised that the precise analysis and accurate comprehension of the spatial relationship of the fractured nasal bone using the 3D image, as based on the 2D CT images, can produce more favorable satisfaction levels in the patients.

The Relationship between Socioeconomical Status and Incidence of Facial Bone Fracture

PURPOSE: The human face is the most exposed part of the body, and in patients with simple or complex trauma from traffic accidents, industrial calamities, sports injuries, human assaults, and daily accidents, facial trauma occupies an important portion. The etiology of facial trauma vary on a society's economic, cultural, and environmental status. METHODS: Regarding patients who were admitted from between the years 2000 to 2009 at the Hanyang University hospital, the authors studied how the changes in the economic status in the past 10 years of our country influences the incidence of facial bone fractures. RESULTS: In this study, 1) The unemployment rate showed a strong negative relationship with the total number of inpatients with facial bone fractures, the number of male patients, the number of female patients, the number of patients with facial bone fractures caused by fall down, the number of patients who were admitted for shorter than 7 days, and the number of the facial bone fracture patients with their age in the twenties. 2) The consumer price index showed a strong positive relationship with the number of female patients, the number of patients who were admitted for shorter than 7 days, and the number of the facial bone fracture patients with their age in the teens and fifties. CONCLUSION: Looking at the results of correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis with economic indicators, the unemployment rate showed negative influence to the total number of inpatients with facial bone fractures, and the number of inpatients with facial bone fractures caused by fall down, with statistical significance.

Natural Curved Mandibular Angle: Mandible Angle Resection by Burring Hole Connecting Osteotomy

As Westernization has taken place in the Oriental society, people's concern focuses on the correction of their lower jaw shape. Various methods were recommended to make their mandibular angle slender and beautiful, but it was difficult to achieve natural curves as planned preoperatively. This study was conducted on 6 patients who received burring hole connecting osteotomy for mandibular angle correction from 2005 to 2007. A measurement of the most natural curved line for osteotomy was made by X-ray prior to the surgery. Through intraoral approach, three to five holes were made on the estimated angle line by burring, and the consecutive holes were connected by oscillating saw to perform the one piece osteotomy. There were no unnatural, irregular osteotomy sections or asymmetrical problems in comparison of before and after operation. All of the patients had satisfactory natural mandibular angle lines. Despite difficulties with the conventional techniques, it is possible for patients to achieve natural mandibular angle lines as they wish with the burring hole connecting osteotomy technique. In addition, it was possible to secure outstanding predictability and stability, thus resulting in satisfactory outcomes in the profile.

The Useful Method on Temporary Fixation with Screw-wire Technique

PURPOSE: Until now, many kinds of treatment modalities for facial bone fractures have been proposed. Among them, the semi-rigid fixation using miniplates has become the most popular procedure due to its simplicity and good clinical results. However, achieving anatomic reduction of bone fragments with miniplates may be difficult because of inadequate instrumentation for fracture fragment stabilization. We examined the use of inter-maxillary fixation screws or titanium screws tied with stainless steel wire to assist in positioning of fractured segment. METHODS: We used this method for reduction in 50 cases of facial bone fractures. Inter-maxillary fixation screws or titanium screws tied with stainless steel wire were used to assist in aligning bony segment. Postoperative radiologic and clinical follow-ups were performed. RESULTS: Radiologic follow-up showed correct reduction and fixation in all cases. Nonnunion and malunion were not shown. Clinical follow-up showed an satisfactory results. CONCLUSION: By using Inter-maxillary fixation screws tied with stainless steel wire, it was shown that reducing the bony segment to their preinjury position is easy to perform and it enables us to make more accurate reduction, ensure wider visual field.

Endoscope-assisted repair of facial bone fractures

Clinical Study of 123 Facial Bone Fractures in Elderly

PURPOSE: Aging society was realized after persons over 65 was rated above 7% in 2000. It is inevitable fact that society gets older. Few study about facial bone fracture in elderly was reported until now. This study provides a retrospective statistical analysis of facial bone fracture and reports of some demographical information from medical records. METHODS: From January 2000 to December 2005, 123 cases of facial bone fracture in above 55 year-old persons were reviewed and analysed. Statistic data was related to distribution, age, sex, causes, occupations, occurrence, time, incidence of facial bone fracture, treatment and it's complications. RESULTS: Facial bone fractures in elderly tend to increase and rated to 4.7%. Facial bone fractures in elderly were most frequently occurred in farmers, cultivator accidents and zygoma fractures. A few minor complications were checked, but easily improved. CONCLUSION: Facial bone fractures in elderly have small proportion of the whole facial bone fractures, but gradually have been increased. This study was observed trends in changes of facial bone fracture in elderly for 5 years and expected to provide statistical index to prevent facial bone fracture in elderly.

Clinical Analysis of Facial Bone Fractures

PURPOSE: As modern civilization and transportation systems have developed, the incidence of facial bone fractures has increased. The purpose of this study was to develop a criteria for proper use of computed tomography in cases of facial bone fracture, so that an accurate diagnoses can be made and proper treatment can be given. METHODS: This study included patients who visited the emergency center from March 2005 to December 2005. A total of 513 patients received facial bone computed tomography. The patients were divided into 2 groups: 242 patients who were diagnosed with facial fractures, and 271 patients without facial fractures. General, physical, and neurological examinations were analyzed to determine the degree of correlations with facial fractures. RESULTS: In facial fractures group, the sex ratio was 2.7:1 (M:F=177:65). The patients were mainly younger. There were two common causes of injuries; 117 cases (48.3%) were caused by fisticuffs, and 54 cases (22.3%) resulted from traffic accidents. Orbital fractures were the most common injury, comprising 156 cases (64.5%). The average injury severity score (ISS) of the patients was 6.5+/-4.0. As determined by multiple logistic regression analysis based on controlled physical examination and neurologic examination, significant risk factors related to facial fracture are abrasion, swelling, bruise, laceration, conjunctival hemorrhage, epistaxis, enophthalmos, extraoccular muscle limitation, temporo-mandible malocclusion and paresthesia. CONCLUSIONS: Facial bone fractures mostly occurred among active males between the ages of 20 to 40, and the most common causes are fisticuffs and traffic accidents. When facial injuries are associated with physical symptoms, such as swelling, laceration, conjunctival hemorrhage, epistaxis, enophthalmos, extraoccular muscle limitaion, temporo-mandible malocclusion and paresthesia, facial bone computed tomography is essential to proper diagnosis.