Clinical Analysis of Traumatized Auricular Laceration / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Contusions and lacerations of the auricle are common, but reconstructive procedures are difficult because the auricle has an intricate cartilage framework covered with delicate skin. The purpose of this study was to present therapeutic principles of traumatized auricular laceration. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The study was performed retrospectively and included 35 traumatized auricular laceration patients. Their wound state, degree of laceration, whether or not had exposure of cartilage, methods of reconstruction used and postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Multiple laceration was found in 11 patients. Eight of 19 patients who had cartilage exposed had been performed cartilage suture method for alignment. Primary reconstruction was performed for two avulsed subtotal injury patients. Pocket principle technique was used for one patient whose auricle was contaminated and amputated. Postoperative complications were noted as paresthesia, color change, delayed healing, deformity and partial loss of auricle. CONCLUSION: Rapid and active management of traumatized auricular lacerations is important to prevent infection and postoperative complications.

A Comparative Study between K-Wire and Intranasal Packing in Nasal Bone Fracture / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The majority of nasal bone fractures have been managed by using closed reduction and intranasal packing, leaving rooms for many complaints from patients. But the intranasal Kirschner wire (K-wire) splinting described by Chang in 1994 provided rigid intranasal support and increased less complaints from patients. Although the Kirschner wire splinting can be an alternative method for nasal bone packing that accompanies little complaints from patients, literature regarding the efficiency of Kirshcner wire splinting is rare. We studied the efficiency and clinical outcomes between the K-wire splinting and intranasal packing. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Prospectively, we studied 51 patients with nasal bone fracture who have undergone closed reduction. Of these, 30 patients were immobilized with the Kirschner wire splinting and 21 patients were immobilized with intranasal vaseline packing. On the first prospective day, patients were routinely examined by a visual analogue scale. The degree of satisfaction by both doctors and patients was investigated after a minimum 6 months. Complications were studied. All results were statistically confirmed. RESULTS: Complaints from patients were significantly less when the K-wire was used. There was no statistical difference between satisfaction expressed by doctors and patients, and there were no serious complications in using the K-wire. CONCLUSION: The K-wire is a reliable and useful immobilization method for nasal bone fracture.