Relationship Between Facial Bone Fractures and the Risk of Posttraumatic Complications: A Hypothesis on the Cushion Effect of the Facial Skeletons in Temporal Bone Fractures.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated whether concomitant facial bone (FB) fractures reduce temporal bone (TB) injuries, such as posttraumatic facial palsy and vertigo, through an impact absorbing effect, so-called "cushion effect," in severe trauma patients. METHODS: A total of 134 patients with a TB fracture were included. They were divided into two groups according to their concomitant facial fractures: group I (no FB fracture) and group II (FB fracture). We compared clinical characteristics, such as brain injury, trauma severity, and complications of TB fracture, between the two groups. RESULTS: In group II, immediate facial palsy was more frequent (11.6% vs. 1.5% in group I), and the Injury Severity Score was higher (19.0 ± 5.9 vs. 16.7 ± 7.3, P = 0.020). Delayed facial palsy (12.3% in group I vs. 4.3% in group II) and posttraumatic vertigo (24.6% vs. 7.2%) occurred more often in group I. FB fractures significantly decreased the incidence of posttraumatic vertigo (odds ratio [OR], 0.276; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.083-0.914). Intraventricular hemorrhage (OR, 20.958; 95% CI, 2.075-211.677), facial nerve canal injury (OR, 12.229; 95% CI, 2.465-60.670), and FB fractures (OR, 16.420; 95% CI, 1.298-207.738) increased the risk of immediate facial palsy. CONCLUSION: Concomitant FB fractures reduced the risk of the occurrence of delayed facial palsy and posttraumatic vertigo in injured patients with TB fracture. Particularly, an anterior force may be reduced by the cushion effect of the bony fracture.

A 10-year retrospective study on mandibular fractures in Northern Taiwan.

Background/purpose: The mandible is an independent and protruding bone structure in the lower third portion of the human facial skeleton. Because of its prominent and unprotected position, the mandible is a primary site of facial trauma. Previous studies have not comprehensively discussed the association between the mandibular fractures and concomitant fractures of facial bones, the trunk, or limbs. This study analyzed the epidemiology of mandibular fractures and their correlation with concomitant fractures. Materials and methods: The present study enrolled 118 patients with a total of 202 mandibular fracture sites during at any time from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2021, in northern Taiwan. Results: According to the study results, the patients between 21 and 30 years of age had the highest occurrence of trauma, and road traffic accidents (RTAs) constituted the primary cause of mandibular fractures. Fall-related injuries were significant in patients >30 years of age. By the analysis of Pearson's contingency coefficient, the number of mandibular fractures was not significantly associated with concomitant fractures of the extremities or the trunk. However, accompanying maxillary fractures can be regarded as an indication of concomitant extremity or trunk fractures in patients with mandibular fractures. Conclusion: Three-site mandibular fractures are not necessarily accompanied by extremity and trunk fractures; however, clinicians should implement multidisciplinary examination and management in patients with mandibular fractures accompanied by maxillary fractures. Maxillary fractures can be regarded as an indication of concomitant fractures of other facial bones, the extremities, or the trunk.

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.

Increased Risk of Dementia in Patients with Craniofacial Trauma: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: The role of maxillofacial trauma in dementia risk is not well established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between craniofacial trauma, including facial bone fracture and traumatic brain injury (TBI), and dementia. METHODS: Using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified 501,889 adults who had had ≥1 medical record of craniofacial trauma between 2000 and 2010 and did not have a dementia diagnosis at baseline. Diagnoses of craniofacial trauma, including facial bone fracture and TBI, and dementia were made using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. The standardized incidence ratio was used to determine whether craniofacial trauma was associated with a greater risk of incident dementia compared with the general population. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to predict the risk of dementia among the trauma cohort by comparing the patients with and without comorbidities. RESULTS: A total of 501,889 patients with craniofacial trauma were included, of which 1.5% (n = 7804) developed dementia. Facial bone fracture (standardized incidence ratio, 1.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.25-2.00) was shown to be associated with an increased dementia risk compared with the general population. In addition, craniofacial trauma accompanied with postinjury comorbidities was associated with an increased risk of dementia during follow-up periods compared with the group without comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Craniofacial traumas, especially facial bone fracture, were associated with an increased risk of subsequent dementia. Maintaining a high index of suspicion for associated TBIs in all patients with facial trauma is crucial, even if no obvious initial signs and symptoms of brain injury are observed.

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.

Convex bone deformity after closed reduction of nasal bone fracture.

BACKGROUND: Nasal fracture is the most common type of facial fracture treated by plastic surgeons. Here, we clarify the postoperative deformities that frequently remain after closed reduction of fresh nasal bone fracture by three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT). METHODS: Hundred consecutive cases of fresh nasal bone fracture in patients treated between May 2010 and January 2016 were examined. After closed reduction, the overall appearance of the arch formed by the nasal bone and maxillary process was evaluated as 'Excellent', 'Good' or 'Fair'. Patients were also asked about their overall satisfaction with the operation, and the responses were classified as 'Satisfied', 'Neutral' or 'Dissatisfied'. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients underwent 3D-CT examination both at the time of the initial consultation and 3 months after the operation. The results were 'Excellent' in 69 patients and 'Good' in 17 patients, with none of the patients having only 'Fair' results. Convex bone deformities on one side were seen in all six bilateral type fractures evaluated as 'Good'. All patients classified as 'Excellent' reported being 'Satisfied' with the results, but some patients classified as 'Good' gave a 'Neutral' evaluation regarding their satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The residual deformities seen in bilateral type fractures were most notable, and they were all convex bone deformities on one side. Plastic surgeons should use ultrasonography or other reliable new methods in addition to visual inspection during the operation to successfully treat the region of the convex fracture.

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.

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.

Maxillofacial injuries and traumatic brain injury--a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Maxillofacial injuries comprising hard tissue as well as soft tissue injuries can be associated with traumatic brain injuries due to the impact of forces transmitted through the head and neck. To date, the role of maxillofacial injury on brain injury has not been properly documented with some saying it has a protective function on the brain while others opposing this idea. AIM: This cross-sectional retrospective study evaluated all patients with maxillofacial injuries. The aim of the study was to analyze the occurrence and relationship of maxillofacial injuries with traumatic brain injuries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively studied the hospital charts of all trauma patients seen at the accident and emergency department of UKM Medical Centre from November 2010 until November 2011. A detail analysis was then carried out on all patients who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: A total of 11294 patients were classified as trauma patients in which 176 patients had facial fractures and 292 did not have facial fractures. Middle face fractures was the most common pattern of facial fracture seen. Traumatic brain injury was present in 36.7% of maxillofacial cases. A significant association was found between facial fractures and traumatic brain injury (P < 0.05). Patient with facial fractures had a 1.5 increased risk of having a traumatic brain injury (95% CI 1.197-1.909). CONCLUSION: Patients with maxillofacial injuries with or without facial fractures are at risk of acute or delayed traumatic brain injury. All patients should always have proper radiological investigations together with a proper observation and follow-up schedule.

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 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.

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.

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 Pediatric Facial Bone Fracture; 10-years Experiences in 201 Cases

The proper management of the pediatric facial bone fracture is critical in the facial bone development. This study characterizes the surgically treated patient population suffering from facial bone fractures by the use of current data from a large series consisting of 201 cases. The data was gathered through a retrospective chart review of patients surgically treated for facial bone fractures at the department of plastic and reconstructive surgery, Sanggye Paik hospital, Inje university medical center, collected over 10-years period from January, 1993 to December, 2002. Data regarding patient demographics(age, sex), seasonal distribution, location of fractures, and the causes of injury with admission periods, were collected. In total, there were 201cases of pediatric facial bone fractures. Male patients outnumbered female patients by a 5.48: 1 ratio and were found to engage in a wider range of behaviors that resulted in facial bone fractures. Physical violence was the leading cause of pediatric facial bone fractures(27.9%), followed by sports-related mechanisms (22.9%) and falling down(17.9%). The most prevalent age group was 11-15 years-old(71.1%) and there was a 14.3% prevalence in March. Among the location of fractures, the nasal bone was the most prevalent, accounting for 82.3% of injuries, followed by the orbit(9.95%), and the mandible fractures(7.5%). Most patients(59.7%) were treated within 6-9 days after trauma and the mean hospitalization period was 8-11 days. We should follow up the surgically treated patients, and they will be further evaluated about postoperative sequele and effect on the facial bone development. These studies demonstrate differences in the demographics and clinical presentation that, if applied to patients, will enable a more accurate diagnosis and proper management.

Re-treatment of malocclusion resulting from improper reduction of facial bone fracture

A clinical consideration of submental intubation at oral and maxillofacial surgery

Usefulness of Absorbable Plate for Facial Bone Fracture Accompanying Malocclusion

At the present day, the metallic rigid fixation is used universally in facial bone fracture surgery. However, these metallic plating system have problems associated with growth restriction in pediatric patients, intracranial migration, increase risk of infection, palpability, and exposure. To overcome these problems, absorbable devices have been developed and used in the reconstruction of pediatric craniofacial deformities before early stages and in the facial bone fracture of adult recently. However, the usefulness of fixation for the force vector affecting region was not verified. From October 2000 to August 2001, absorbable fixation system(BiosorbFX(R) Bionix Implants inc.) was used in 10 open reduction of facial bone fracture with malocclusion; 5 patients with Le Fort I or Le Fort II fracture, 1 patient with maxillary-sagittal fracture, 4 patients with mandible fracture. All the patients, the malocclusion was corrected with no complications, and stabilized fixation was achieved after average 8 months follow up period. These results show usefulness of absorbable devices for fixation of force vector affecting region.