Absorbable Plate as a Perpendicular Strut for Acute Saddle Nose Deformities

BACKGROUND: Nasal pyramid fractures accompanied by saddle nose deformities are not easily corrected by closed reduction. We used an absorbable plate as a perpendicular strut to support the collapsed "keystone area" and obtained good results. METHODS: Between September 2008 and June 2011, 18 patients who had nasal pyramid fractures with saddle nose deformities underwent surgery. Pre- and postoperative facial computed tomographic images and photographs were taken to estimate outcomes. The operative technique included the mucoperichondrial dissection of the nasal septum, insertion of an absorbable plate prepared to an appropriate length to support the "keystone area", and fixation of the absorbable plate strut to the cartilaginous septum. RESULTS: Functional and esthetic outcomes were satisfactory in all patients. Eleven patients assessed the postoperative appearance of the external nose as 'markedly improved' and 7 patients as 'improved'. The 5 surgeons scored the results as a mean of 4.5 on a 5-point scale. CONCLUSIONS: The use of an absorbable plate as a perpendicular strut requires no additional procedures because the plate is gradually absorbed. The mechanical strength provided by a buttress between the "keystone area" and the maxillary crest lasts for a long time before the strut is absorbed.

The Fate of Calvarial Bone Graft in Nasal Tip Plasty Patients Followed Up for Over 10 Years

PURPOSE: In order to maintain corrected nasal tip projection, strong support is important. Authors used calvarial bone graft method for this purpose. Patients were followed up about permanency of the bone graft for a long time. METHODS: From 1995 to 1998, author performed calvarial bone graft on 30 adult patients with secondary cleft lip and nose deformity. Patients were observed for 34 months. There were no specific complications, and results were satisfactory. We could confirm the permanence of the calvarial bone graft in 3 patients by photography and radiologic studies for 10 years follow-up. RESULTS: None of the patients showed size change or displacement. But the portion of graft facing the tip was absorbed resulting in loss of tip projection and short nose in two patients. One patient had fracture on the middle of the graft. This caused depression from lower portion of the dorsum to the tip. CONCLUSION: Despite of autogenous grafts such as calvarial bone, absorption of the bone may occur when compressed with tension for a long period. And the graft in the nasal tip not having any contact with the nasal bone may cause absorption of the graft.

Rigid Fixation using Bioabsorbable Mesh and Screws in Facial Bone Fracture

PURPOSE: Absorbable plate and screw fixation is widely used technique for internal rigid fixation in craniomaxillofacial surgery. However, there are some potential problems associated with the use of plate. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of bone fixation in facial fracture using absorbable mesh in place of absorbable plate. METHODS: The records of 55 patients with zygomaticomaxilla fractures treated by open reduction, performed by the author from February 2008 to May 2009, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were selected to receive absorbable mesh fixation. The incidence of all complications including infection, hypoesthesia, and deformity was examined. Analysis with postoperative computed tomography follow-up demonstrates degree of reduction. RESULTS: Forty-six patients met criteria for inclusion in the study. All patients went on to satisfactory healing without complication. Postoperative computed tomography revealed good bony alignment similarly non affected side. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the rigid internal fixation of fractured bone fragments using absorbable mesh is more effective than absorbable plate, especially in comminuted fracture of maxilla.

Rigid Fixation using Bioabsorbable Mesh and Screws in Facial Bone Fracture

PURPOSE: Absorbable plate and screw fixation is widely used technique for internal rigid fixation in craniomaxillofacial surgery. However, there are some potential problems associated with the use of plate. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of bone fixation in facial fracture using absorbable mesh in place of absorbable plate. METHODS: The records of 55 patients with zygomaticomaxilla fractures treated by open reduction, performed by the author from February 2008 to May 2009, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were selected to receive absorbable mesh fixation. The incidence of all complications including infection, hypoesthesia, and deformity was examined. Analysis with postoperative computed tomography follow-up demonstrates degree of reduction. RESULTS: Forty-six patients met criteria for inclusion in the study. All patients went on to satisfactory healing without complication. Postoperative computed tomography revealed good bony alignment similarly non affected side. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the rigid internal fixation of fractured bone fragments using absorbable mesh is more effective than absorbable plate, especially in comminuted fracture of maxilla.