Le Fort II fractures are associated with death: a comparison of simple and complex midface fractures.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether complex midface fractures have a greater association with death and intracranial injury than simple midface fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients with blunt-mechanism midface fractures who had presented to an urban trauma center from 1998 to 2010. The survival and intracranial injury status was evaluated for patients with simple and complex midface fractures, including Le Fort, naso-orbitoethmoid, and/or zygomaticomaxillary fractures. Intracranial injury included hemorrhage and brainstem injury. Patients with upper face fractures were excluded to minimize confounding. Adjusted relative risk estimates were obtained using multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 3,291 patients with midface fractures, 213 (6.3%) died and 693 (21.3%) had an intracranial injury. The cumulative mortality reached 11.6% in patients with complex midface fractures and 5.1% in those with simple midface fractures (P < .001). Patients with complex midface fractures were 57% more likely to die (relative risk = 1.57; P < .005). Specifically, Le Fort II fractures independently conferred a 94% increased risk of death (relative risk = 1.94; P < .01), but Le Fort I and III fractures were not significantly associated with death. Among patients presenting without neurologic impairment, those with Le Fort II and III fractures remained 2.88-fold (P < .01) and 2.54-fold (P < .001) more likely to have an underlying intracranial injury, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Le Fort II fractures are associated with increased mortality. Furthermore, Le Fort II and III fractures are associated with serious intracranial injury, even in the absence of alterations in consciousness. These patients should be monitored with heightened vigilance and followed up closely during hospitalization, regardless of the presenting clinical findings.

Treatment of recurrent lingual nerve end-neuroma: A case report.

A neuroma is a collection of disorganized nerve sprouts emanating from an interruption of axonal continuity, forming within a collagen scar as the nerve attempts to regenerate. Lingual neuroma formation secondary to iatrogenic trauma to the tongue is likely not uncommon; however, we could not find a report in the literature of treatment of a distal tongue end-neuroma treated by resection and implantation into muscle. Here we describe a patient who experienced debilitating chronic tongue pain after excision of a benign mass. After failing conservative management, the patient was taken to the operating room where an end-neuroma of the lingual nerve was identified and successfully treated by excision and burying of the free proximal stump in the mylohyoid muscle. At 17 months postoperatively, she remains pain free without dysesthesias.

Facial fractures of the upper craniofacial skeleton predict mortality and occult intracranial injury after blunt trauma: an analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this article was to assess how regional facial fracture patterns predict mortality and occult intracranial injury after blunt trauma. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed for blunt-mechanism craniofacial fracture patients who presented to an urban trauma center from 1998 to 2010. Fractures were confirmed by author review of computed tomographic imaging and then grouped into 1 of 5 patterns of regional involvement representing all possible permutations of facial-third injury. Mortality and the presence of occult intracranial injury, defined as those occurring in patients at low risk at presentation for head injury by Canadian CT Head Rule criteria, were evaluated. Relative risk estimates were obtained using multivariable regression. RESULTS: Of 4540 patients identified, 338 (7.4%) died, and 171 (8.1%) had intracranial injury despite normal Glasgow Coma Scale at presentation. Cumulative mortality reached 18.8% for isolated upper face fractures, compared with 6.9% and 4.0% for middle and lower face fractures (P < 0.001), respectively. Upper face fractures were independently associated with 4.06-, 3.46-, and 3.59-fold increased risk of death for the following fracture patterns: isolated upper, combined upper, panfacial, respectively (P < 0.001). Patients who were at low risk for head injury remained 4 to 6 times more likely to suffer an occult intracranial injury if they had involvement of the upper face. CONCLUSIONS: The association between facial fractures, intracranial injury, and death varies by regional involvement, with increasing insult in those with upper face fractures. Cognizance of the increased risk for intracranial injury in patients with upper face fractures may supplement existing triage tools and should increase suspicion for underlying or impending neuropathology, regardless of clinical picture at presentation.

Superiority of the Septal Extension Graft over the Columellar Strut Graft in Primary Rhinoplasty: Improved Long-Term Tip Stability.

BACKGROUND: Columellar strut grafts and septal extension grafts are commonly used support structures; however, their relative effectiveness remains debated. The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term stability of septal extension grafts to that of columellar strut grafts. METHODS: A retrospective review of all primary rhinoplasties performed by the senior author (R.J.R.) from 2016 to 2019 was performed. All adult patients undergoing primary open rhinoplasty with at least 1 year of follow-up were included. Revision cases and those in whom rib grafts were used were excluded. Standardized postoperative imaging was assessed at 2 months (early) and at 12 months (long-term) to measure projection/rotation change over time. Univariate and multivariable statistical comparisons were performed. RESULTS: The chart query yielded 133 patients. Of these, 40 patients were treated with a columellar strut and 37 patients were treated with a septal extension graft. Projection loss at 1 year was 4.7% for the columellar strut group compared with 0.2% for the septal extension graft group ( P < 0.0001). On multivariable logistic regression, there was a 5.1-fold increased risk of greater than 4% projection loss when using a columellar strut ( P < 0.005). Mean rotation loss for the columellar strut group was 4.9 degrees compared with 1.3 degrees for the septal extension graft group ( P < 0.0001). The independent effect of columellar strut use resulted in a 2.8-fold increased risk of rotation loss greater than or equal to 5 degrees ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Septal extension grafts result in effectively no loss of projection and minimal loss in rotation. A small degree of projection and rotation loss can be expected with the use of a columellar strut alone. These long-term graft tendencies should be anticipated and accounted for appropriately. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

The Seven-Step, 7-Minute Chin Augmentation.

SUMMARY: Microgenia, or a recessed/weak chin, plays a significant role in facial disharmony. Although patients with severe microgenia, malocclusion, long-face syndrome, or other significant orthognathic problems are not suitable for chin augmentation alone, many people have mild to moderate microgenia that would benefit from implant-based chin augmentation. Assessment of the chin is included in any critical analysis of the face and plays a key role in the planning of all facial aesthetic procedures. The ideal chin is thought to extend to or just behind a vertical line dropped from the nasion or the upper lip vermilion on profile. The authors describe their efficient, safe seven-step approach to chin augmentation.

The Key to a Straight Nose Is a Straight Septum: 10 Essential Steps.

SUMMARY: The deviated nose derives from underlying skeletal and soft-tissue deformities in the upper, middle, and/or lower third of the nose. Although deviation may stem from several intrinsic and extrinsic elements, the septum is most often the primary contributor. Attempts to straighten the nose without properly addressing the septum invariably result in a persistently deviated nose. The goal of this article is to review the 10 key steps for a reliable, methodical approach to correcting the deviated septum in primary rhinoplasty.

Assessing Long-Term Outcomes in Breast Implant Illness: The Missing Link? A Systematic Review.

SUMMARY: The purpose of this special topic article is to explore the current state of outcomes-based literature related to breast implant illness and summarize the key understandings that emerge from the summation of existing studies. While implanted silicone devices are some of the most ubiquitous products in modern medicine, the safety of silicone breast implants has long remained under scientific scrutiny. In the era of social media and with breast implants once again under public scrutiny with the recent connection of texture silicone implants to breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, the borders between breast implant illness and other implant-related diseases are becoming clouded in the public eye. The surgical management options for breast implant illness range from simple implant explantation alone to complete en bloc capsulectomies, or even secondary exploratory operations for additional capsulectomy in persistently symptomatic patients. In this review of outcomes-based studies related to breast implant illness, the authors found that a subset of patients improves with surgical intervention but limited evidence to inform most current surgical management practices. Further, the nature of this illness renders it difficult to study. A carefully designed, large, prospective, outcomes-based study is still required if an evidence-based and sound treatment approach for this condition is to be established.

Technique for Minimally Invasive Face and Neck Contouring with Bipolar Radiofrequency Devices.

SUMMARY: Radiofrequency devices have grown in popularity as minimally invasive options for the treatment of skin laxity in the face and neck. These treatments are often combined with liposuction procedures to provide enhanced tissue contraction alongside the reduction in adiposity. Proper patient selection and intraoperative technique are crucial to achieving the desired outcomes in a safe manner. In this article, the authors discuss their indications and technique for the treatment of the face and neck with bipolar radiofrequency devices.

Personal Evolution in Rhinoplasty Tip Shaping: Beyond the Tripod Concept.

SUMMARY: Introduced over 50 years ago, the "tripod concept" has long been the foundation of our understanding of tip dynamics in rhinoplasty. Modern approaches to rhinoplasty have built on these principles and seen the evolution of several operative techniques to address tip aesthetics. This article and accompanying case video detail our algorithmic approach to tip shaping, based on the use of complete lower lateral cartilage reshaping and tensioning, clarified use of medial crural transection and overlap, with stabilization on a fixed-floating septal extension graft, and deliberate management of the soft-tissue envelope. The intraoperative sequencing, key technical considerations, relevant classification schemes, and global decision-making processes are reviewed. .

Versatility of the Fixed-Mobile Septal Extension Graft for Nasal Tip Reshaping.

SUMMARY: Key goals of nasal tip reshaping include precise control of tip shape and position, along with restoration of proper structural support. Unfortunately, traditional techniques attempting to address these goals have yielded unpredictable results. In this article, the authors detail their surgical technique and discuss the numerous aesthetic and functional benefits of this graft, along with its applicability to a wide variety of patient populations and nasal deformities. The authors' technique utilizing the fixed-mobile septal extension graft has demonstrated reliability in establishing proper tip positioning through precise adjustments to tip rotation and projection, while simultaneously providing a stable structure for maintaining tip support. While fixed at the anterior septal angle, this graft also proves beneficial in maintaining natural tip mobility because of its anterior extension past the septum. The fixed-mobile septal extension graft is versatile and reliable when used for tip reshaping and support.

Jawline Refinement in Face Lifting: The Five Zones and the Five-Step Technique✰.

Facial aging changes due to increased skin laxity as well as soft tissue atrophy and decent lead to blunting and distortion of previously well-defined zones of the face and neck. A critical component of re-establishing a youthful appearance during facelift and neck lift surgery is restoring a well-defined mandibular contour. Key principles of jawline refinement include the addition of volume to deficient areas and removal of volume in areas of unwanted fullness to re-establish facial harmony in the lower face and neck. In this article, we describe a novel classification of jawline zones and discuss our stepwise surgical approach to aid in the systematic evaluation and surgical treatment of the jawline.

Minimally Invasive Approach to Skin Tightening of the Face and Body: Systematic Review of Monopolar and Bipolar Radiofrequency Devices.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency treatment is a relatively new and increasingly popular option for patients desiring skin tightening and an improvement in facial or body contour without undergoing an excisional surgical procedure. A systematic review of the literature was performed to investigate the safety and efficacy of monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency devices for facial and body rejuvenation. METHODS: A computerized search of the MEDLINE database was performed for clinical studies investigating the use of monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency devices in facial and body rejuvenation. Data on the type of device, treated areas, number of patients, number of treatments, follow-up, complications, and outcomes were collected. RESULTS: The systematic review was performed in September of 2020. A total of 207 articles examined the use of radiofrequency technology for cosmetic purposes, and 23 articles remained after all inclusion and exclusion criteria were considered. Nine articles evaluated monopolar devices and five articles evaluated bipolar devices for treatment of the face. Three articles evaluated monopolar devices and six articles evaluated bipolar devices for treatment of various body areas. CONCLUSION: There is clinical evidence that monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency devices produce measurable improvement in skin laxity of the face and body with an acceptable complication profile. The majority of reported complications are minor and transient in nature; major complication rates are higher with the use of monopolar devices than with the use of bipolar devices.

Autologous Reconstruction of a Face Transplant Candidate.

Since 2005, facial transplantation has emerged as a viable reconstructive option for the most severe defects not amenable to conventional reconstructive techniques, with promising aesthetic and functional outcomes to date. Key facial subunits and midface structures such as the eyelids, lips, and nose are now able to be successfully replaced rather than reconstructed, enabling adequate functional outcomes in even the most extensive defects. However, even in cases of severe facial disfigurement, the decision to proceed with transplantation versus autologous reconstruction remains a source of debate, with no current consensus regarding precise indications and inclusion/exclusion criteria. This report details the case of a candidate referred for face transplantation who ultimately underwent autologous facial reconstruction. Through this representative case, our objective is to clarify the criteria that make a patient a suitable face transplant candidate, as well as to demonstrate the outcomes achievable with a conventional autologous reconstruction, using a methodically planned, multistaged approach.

Management of High-energy Avulsive Ballistic Facial Injury: A Review of the Literature and Algorithmic Approach.

BACKGROUND: High-energy avulsive ballistic facial injuries pose one of the most significant reconstructive challenges. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to evaluate management trends and outcomes for the treatment of devastating ballistic facial trauma. Furthermore, we describe the senior author's early and definitive staged reconstructive approach to these challenging patients. METHODS: A Medline search was conducted to include studies that described timing of treatment, interventions, complications, and/or aesthetic outcomes. RESULTS: Initial query revealed 41 articles, of which 17 articles met inclusion criteria. A single comparative study revealed that early versus delayed management resulted in a decreased incidence of soft-tissue contracture, required fewer total procedures, and resulted in shorter hospitalizations (level 3 evidence). Seven of the 9 studies (78%) that advocated delayed reconstruction were from the Middle East, whereas 5 of the 6 studies (83%) advocating immediate or early definitive reconstruction were from the United States. No study compared debridement timing directly in a head-to-head fashion, nor described flap selection based on defect characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Existing literature suggests that early and aggressive intervention improves outcomes following avulsive ballistic injuries. Further comparative studies are needed; however, although evidence is limited, the senior author presents a 3-stage reconstructive algorithm advocating early and definitive reconstruction with aesthetic free tissue transfer in an attempt to optimize reconstructive outcomes of these complex injuries.

Defining Population-Specific Craniofacial Fracture Patterns and Resource Use in Geriatric Patients: A Comparative Study of Blunt Craniofacial Fractures in Geriatric versus Nongeriatric Adult Patients.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the hypothesis that mechanisms of injury, fracture patterns, and burden to the health care system differ between geriatric and nongeriatric populations sustaining blunt-force craniofacial trauma. METHODS: A 5-year retrospective chart review of patient records and computed tomographic imaging was performed. Demographic and outcome data were extracted for equally numbered samples of blunt-mechanism facial fracture patients aged 60 years or older (geriatric), and adult patients aged 18 to 59 years (adult nongeriatric). Comparisons were made between these two populations using t tests and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: One thousand eighty-seven geriatric and 1087 nongeriatric patients were included. Geriatric patients were significantly more likely to be Caucasian, female, and have sustained fractures as the result of falling. They also had significantly longer hospital stays, were more likely to die, and were more likely to be discharged to home with services. Mandible fractures and panfacial fractures were significantly more common in the nongeriatric population. Geriatric age was associated with doubled length of hospitalization for patients with midface fractures. Logistic regression revealed that significantly higher incidences of orbital floor, maxillary, and condylar fractures in geriatric patients were dependent on geriatric age status, rather than mechanism of injury alone. CONCLUSIONS: Resource allocation for geriatric patients with craniofacial trauma should differ from that of their nongeriatric adult counterparts, with more resources allocated to supportive care during hospitalization and assistive care after discharge. The authors' data indicate that structural and biological changes in the craniofacial skeleton contribute to differences in fracture location independent of mechanism of injury. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, II.

Do adjunctive flap-monitoring technologies impact clinical decision making? An analysis of microsurgeon preferences and behavior by body region.

BACKGROUND: Multiple perfusion assessment technologies exist to identify compromised microvascular free flaps. The effectiveness, operability, and cost of each technology vary. The authors investigated surgeon preference and clinical behavior with several perfusion assessment technologies. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to members of the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery concerning perceptions and frequency of use of several technologies in varied clinical situations. Demographic information was also collected. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated using multinomial logistic regression accounting for clustering of similar practices within institutions/regions. RESULTS: The questionnaire was completed by 157 of 389 participants (40.4 percent response rate). Handheld Doppler was the most commonly preferred free flap-monitoring technology (56.1 percent), followed by implantable Doppler (22.9 percent) and cutaneous tissue oximetry (16.6 percent). Surgeons were significantly more likely to opt for immediate take-back to the operating room when presented with a concerning tissue oximetry readout compared with a concerning handheld Doppler signal (OR, 2.82; p < 0.01), whereas other technologies did not significantly alter postoperative management more than simple handheld Doppler. Clinical decision making did not significantly differ by demographics, training, or practice setup. CONCLUSIONS: Although most surgeons still prefer to use standard handheld Doppler for free flap assessment, respondents were significantly more likely to opt for immediate return to the operating room for a concerning tissue oximetry reading than an abnormal Doppler signal. This suggests that tissue oximetry may have the greatest impact on clinical decision making in the postoperative period.

The importance of timing in optimizing cranial vault remodeling in syndromic craniosynostosis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the impact of age at repair on relapse rates in syndromic patients undergoing cranial vault remodeling. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed for patients surgically treated for syndromic craniosynostosis from 1990 to 2013. Surgical procedures were assigned a Whitaker category based on need for reoperation as follows: no additional surgery required (category I); minor contouring revisions required (II); major revisions required (III); or failure of original surgery (IV). Age at surgery was grouped as follows: younger than 6 months; aged 6 to 9 months; and older than 9 months. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between age at surgery and need for reoperation by Whitaker category. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients undergoing a total of 65 planned cranial vault remodeling procedures were included. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that patients younger than 6 months at the time of primary surgery carried a 4.10 greater odds (95 percent CI, 1.31 to 12.87; p = 0.016) of requiring a subsequent major reoperation, and being older than 9 months of age carried a 13.2 greater odds (95 percent CI, 1.39 to 124.30; p = 0.024) of requiring a subsequent minor revision. CONCLUSIONS: Timing of surgery is an important factor to consider when planning vault remodeling in syndromic craniosynostosis. Based on our institution's experience, when there is no concern for elevated intracranial pressure the ideal operative window for these procedures in the syndromic population appears to be 6 to 9 months of age.

Extracapsular Mandibular Condyle Fractures Are Associated with Severe Blunt Internal Carotid Artery Injury: Analysis of 605 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Mandibular condyle fractures are common following facial trauma and carry an increased risk for concomitant blunt carotid artery injuries. Further elucidation of this relationship may improve vascular injury screening and management. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed for all patients sustaining condylar fractures presenting to a large trauma center over twelve years. Fracture locations were classified according to the Strasbourg Osteosynthesis Research Group (1, condylar head; 2, condylar neck; and 3, extracapsular condylar base). Carotid artery injury severity was based on the Biffl scale. Severe vascular injury was defined as a Biffl score greater than I. RESULTS: 605 patients were identified with mandibular condyle fractures consisting of 21.0 percent (n = 127) condylar head; 26.8 percent (n = 162) condylar neck; and 52.2 percent (n = 316) extracapsular condylar base. The incidence of vascular injuries in this population was 5.5 percent (n = 33), of which 75.8 percent (n = 25) were severe. Severe vascular injuries occurred in 1.6 percent (n = 2) of condylar head, 2.5 percent (n = 4) of condylar neck, and 6.0 percent (n = 19) of extracapsular condylar base fractures (p < 0.05). Extracapsular condylar base fractures were independently associated with a 2.94-fold increased risk of a severe blunt carotid artery injury compared with other condyle fractures on multivariable analysis (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Extracapsular subcondylar fractures should heighten suspicion for concomitant blunt carotid artery injury. The data support a force transmission mechanism of injury in addition to direct injury from bony fragments. CLINICAL QUESTIONS/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, II.

Severe infectious complications following frontal sinus fracture: the impact of operative delay and perioperative antibiotic use.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a delay in operative management of frontal sinus fractures is associated with increased risk of serious infections. METHODS: Retrospective chart review was performed of 242 consecutive patients with surgically managed frontal sinus fractures who presented to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center between 1996 and 2011. Collected patient characteristics included demographics, surgical management, hospital course, and complications. All computed tomographic imaging was reviewed to evaluate involvement of the posterior table and nasofrontal outflow tract. Serious infections included meningitis, encephalitis, brain abscess, frontal sinus abscess, and osteomyelitis. Delayed operative interventions were defined as procedures performed more than 48 hours after admission. Adjusted relative risk estimates were obtained using multivariable regression. RESULTS: There were 14 serious infections (5.8 percent). All patients with serious infections had both involvement of the posterior table and nasofrontal outflow tract injury. The cumulative incidence of serious infection in these patients was 10.8 percent. After adjustments for confounding, multivariable regression showed that operative delay beyond 48 hours was independently associated with a 4.03-fold (p < 0.05) increased risk for serious infection; external cerebrospinal fluid drainage catheter use and local soft-tissue infection conferred a 4.09-fold (p < 0.05) and 5.10-fold (p < 0.001) increased risk, respectively. Antibiotic use beyond 48 hours postoperatively was not associated with fewer infections. CONCLUSIONS: Delay in operative management of frontal sinus fractures in patients requiring operative intervention is associated with an increased risk for serious infections. Continued antibiotic prophylaxis beyond the perioperative period provides little benefit in preventing serious infections. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, II.

Patient-Reported Assessment of Functional Gait Outcomes following Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Harvesting the superior gluteal artery perforator (SGAP) flap involves dissection of vessels through the gluteal muscle, potentially compromising gait and ambulation. We compared patient-reported gait and ambulation problems between SGAP flap and deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap reconstructions. METHODS: Forty-three patients who underwent bilateral free flap breast reconstruction (17 SGAP, 26 DIEP) participated in the study. The Lower Extremity Functional Score (LEFS) was administered with a supplementary section evaluating gait, balance, fatigue, and pain. Patients evaluated how they felt 2 months postoperatively and at time of survey administration. Multivariate regressions were fit to assess association between type of reconstruction and self-reported lower extremity function controlling for potential confounding factors. RESULTS: Although there was no significant difference in overall LEFS between the cohorts on the date of survey, the SGAP patients reported greater difficulty performing the following activities after surgery (P < 0.05): work, usual hobbies, squatting, walking a mile, walking up stairs, sitting for an hour, running, turning, and hopping. The SGAP patients also reported easier fatigue (P < 0.01) both during the early postoperative period and on the date of survey. CONCLUSIONS: SGAP flap surgery causes no statistically significant differences in overall LEFS. However, SGAP patients did report donor-site morbidity with decreased ability to perform certain activities and increased fatigue and pain in the longer follow-up period. We feel that patients should be educated regarding gait issues and undergo physical therapy during the early postoperative period.