Control of cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea via C-arm-guided reduction of the zygomatic arch as a part of the temporal bone: interdisciplinary approach to an unusual craniomaxillofacial fracture.

Maxillofacial fractures are often associated with blunt head injuries, of which skull base trauma is a common component. However, most oral and maxillofacial surgeons do not provide definitive management of temporal bone fractures involving the skull base and their sequelae. Persistent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage that is refractory to conservative measures usually requires surgical closure to decrease the risk of meningitis. In general, reduction of the displaced fragment of the skull base in temporal bone fractures is not considered a priority. We describe an unusual case of craniomaxillofacial injury exhibiting CSF otorrhea because of a temporal bone fracture with a fragment that included the zygomatic arch. The persistent traumatic leakage was stopped after C-arm-guided reduction of the depressed zygomatic arch. This technique facilitated minimal and only necessary manipulation, without overcorrection, thereby avoiding additional damage to the surrounding tissues. The present case illustrates the definitive contribution of therapeutic measures based on maxillofacial surgery as part of an interdisciplinary approach to the management of the complications of severe head injuries; more invasive neurosurgery was thus avoided.

Mandibular fracture patterns consistent with posterior maxillary fractures involving the posterior maxillary sinus, pterygoid plate or both: CT characteristics.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of posterior maxillary fractures involving the posterior maxillary sinus wall, pterygoid plate or both, unrelated to major midface fractures in patients with mandibular fractures, and to characterize associated fractures. METHODS: A CT study was performed in patients with mandibular fractures to identify posterior maxillary fractures. Patients aged under 16 years, those with mandibular fractures involving only dentoalveolar components and those with concurrent major midfacial fractures were excluded. RESULTS: 13 (6.7%) of 194 patients with mandibular fractures also had posterior maxillary fractures (case group). The injury pattern correlated with the external force directed to the lateral side of the mandible (p < 0.001), alcohol consumption (p = 0.049), the presence of multifocal fractures (p = 0.002) and the fracture regions in the symphysis/parasymphysis (p = 0.001) and the angle/ramus (p = 0.001). No significant difference between the case and non-case groups was seen for age, sex or cause of trauma. Non-displaced fractures in the ipsilateral posterior mandible occurred with significant frequency (p = 0.001) when the posterior maxillary fractures involved only the sinus. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular fractures accompanied by posterior maxillary fractures are not rare. The finding of a unilateral posterior maxillary fracture on CT may aid the efficient radiological examination of the mandible based on possible patterns of associated fractures, as follows: in the ipsilateral posterior region as a direct fracture when the impact is a medially directed force, and in the symphysis/parasymphysis or contralateral condylar neck as an indirect fracture.