Solitary fibrous tumor in the temporalis muscle: a case report and literature review.

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is an infrequently occurring neoplasm most commonly observed in the pleura, but it can develop in the head and neck region in occasional cases. However, no reports have described SFT in the temporalis muscle. Herein, we present the first known case of SFT in the temporalis muscle. A 47-year-old man complained of a painless palpable mass on his right temple. Facial enhanced computed tomography identified a 4.0× 2.9× 1.4 cm mass presenting as a vascular tumor in the right temporalis muscle under the zygomatic arch. The mass was excised from the right temporalis muscle under general anesthesia. A histopathologic examination revealed that the mass was an SFT. No complications occurred after surgery, including functional disability or sensory loss. The patient was followed up for 3 months without complications. Although SFT in extrapulmonary regions is rare, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of masses that occur in the temporal area.

Relationship between midfacial fractures and maxillary sinus pathology.

BACKGROUND: Midfacial fractures frequently involve the maxillary sinus, leading to maxillary sinus pathology. We aimed to examine the incidence and contributing factors of maxillary sinus pathology in patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for midfacial fractures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent ORIF for midfacial fractures at our department over the past 10 years. The incidence of maxillary sinus pathology was identified clinically and/or by computed tomography findings. Factors that significantly influenced the groups with and without maxillary sinus pathology were examined. RESULTS: The incidence of maxillary sinus pathology in patients who underwent ORIF for midfacial fractures was found to be 11.27%, with sinusitis being the most common pathology. Maxillary sinus pathology was significantly associated with the presence of a blowout fracture involving both the medial and the inferior orbital walls. Factors such as sex, age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, inflammatory disease, follow-up period, use of absorbable plates, and use of titanium plates did not have a significant impact on the development of maxillary sinus pathology. CONCLUSION: The incidence of maxillary sinus pathology in patients who underwent ORIF for midfacial fractures was relatively low, and in most cases, it resolved without the need for specific treatment. Consequently, there may not be a significant need for concern regarding postoperative maxillary sinus pathology.

Finger compartment syndrome due to a high-pressure washer injury: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Although the finger compartment syndrome is not common, it compresses the neurovascular bundles in a limited space and blocks blood flow to the fingers, causing necrosis of the fingertips. Finger fasciotomy through unilateral or bilateral midline release of the finger can achieve decompression of the finger compartment. Herein, we report a case of the compartment syndrome in a finger injury caused by a high-pressure water flow which is commonly used in car washing stations. CASE SUMMARY: A 60-year-old man injured his right middle finger while using a high-pressure washer at a car washing station. The patient complained of severe pain in his middle finger and a 0.2 cm punctured open wound on the volar side of the distal phalangeal joint of the middle finger. The fingertip was pale, numb, and characterized by severe swelling and a limited range of motion. Finger radiography showed that there was no fracture in the finger. Digital decompression was performed through finger fasciotomy by bilateral midline incision. On the second day after surgery, the color of the fingertip returned to pink, swelling was resolved, and the range of motion returned to normal. The sensation of the fingertip was completely restored, and the capillary refill test and pinprick test were positive. CONCLUSION: The fingertip compartment syndrome can be caused by a high-pressure water flow damage to the fingers when using high-pressure washers at a car washing station. To avoid finger necrosis, rapid diagnosis of the finger compartment syndrome and appropriate digital decompression are essential to better outcome.

Seroma prevention with topical Abnobaviscum sclerotherapy following excision of giant cervical lipoma.

BACKGROUND: Lipomas are common benign tumors of mesenchymal origin that are composed of mature adipocytes. Giant lipomas have a diameter ≥ 10 cm in one or more dimensions or weigh at least 1,000 g. The surgical excision of a giant lipoma requires extensive dissection, increasing the risk of a seroma, which can cause surgical site complications such as wound infection and necrosis. Sclerotherapy with Abnobaviscum (Viscum album extract) is a relatively new technique used to reduce malignant pleural effusion. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of prophylactic sclerotherapy using Abnobaviscum to decrease seroma after giant lipoma excision. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective medical record review of patients who underwent surgical excision for giant lipoma of the neck from January 2019 to December 2022. Sclerotherapy was performed on the first postoperative day in patients who consented to the procedure, and Abnobaviscum was instilled through the existing Hemovac drain. We compared the clinical course between those who underwent postoperative sclerotherapy and those who did not. RESULTS: Among the 30 patients who underwent giant lipoma excision, we applied sclerotherapy with Abnobaviscum to 15 patients. The average time from surgery to Hemovac removal was statistically shorter in patients who underwent sclerotherapy (p= 0.004). Furthermore, seroma formation was significantly reduced in patients receiving sclerotherapy (p= 0.003). CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing giant lipoma excision, sclerotherapy using Abnobaviscum helps reduce postoperative seroma formation during the initial postoperative period. It can be an excellent method to reduce complications related to seroma and attenuate patients' postoperative burden.

Residual foreign body inflammation caused by a lumber beam penetrating the facial region: a case report.

Penetrating wounds to the face are cosmetically devastating and can be life-threatening. If the foreign body causing the penetrating wound is a piece of wood, small remnants might be left behind after the initial treatment. A 33-year-old male patient presented to the emergency center after a piece of lumber pierced his face as a passenger in a traffic accident. The patient's vital signs were stable, and emergency surgery was performed to remove the foreign body and repair the soft tissue. No noteworthy complications were seen after open reduction and internal fixation of the facial bone fractures. Seven months after the accident, the patient underwent scar revision along with full-thickness skin grafting for post-traumatic scars. After the surgery, pus-like discharge which was not previously present was observed, and the graft did not take well. A residual foreign body, which was the cause of graft failure, was found on computed tomography and the remaining foreign body was removed through revision surgery. The patient is receiving outpatient follow-up without any complications 6 months after surgery. This case demonstrates the importance of performing a careful evaluation to avoid missing a residual foreign body, especially if it is of wooden nature.

Giant Pilomatricoma Mistaken for a Malignant Tumor.

Pilomatricomas are tumors originating from the matrices of hair follicles. Giant pilomatricomas, defined as pilomatricomas that are 5 cm or larger, are benign but may appear malignant clinically. We present the case of a 69-year-old man with a rapidly growing mass on his scalp. When he visited our department, the tumor measured 10.0×6.0×4.0 cm and showed inflammation and ulceration. Magnetic resonance imaging and 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography showed findings resembling lymph node metastasis from a malignant tumor. However, upon an incisional biopsy, the tumor was diagnosed as a pilomatricoma. Therefore, we performed an excisional biopsy instead of radical surgery and lymph node dissection. The tumor was ultimately diagnosed as a giant pilomatricoma based on the excisional biopsy, and the patient received reconstruction only at the site of the defect. A giant pilomatricoma can be mistaken for a malignant tumor due to its characteristics. In such uncertain cases, it can be helpful to first perform an excisional biopsy.

Surgical Management of Scapulothoracic Bursitis in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case Report.

Scapulothoracic bursitis involves inflammation of the scapulothoracic bursa caused by overuse of the shoulder or traumatic injury. Conservative management is recommended initially, and a surgical approach, such as bursectomy or scapular angle resection, is indicated later. Scapulothoracic bursitis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has been rarely reported in the literature. A 34-year-old woman was hospitalized in our hospital for a palpable mass on the right side of her back. She had a history of SLE, which was diagnosed and treated with medication 13 years prior. Chest magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed fluid collection measuring 6.0 cm × 6.0 cm × 2.0 cm between the rib cage and subscapularis muscle. Histopathological examination identified the mass as bursitis with cystic degeneration. Surgical excision was performed at the infrascapular area. About 11 months later, the mass recurred in the same area. Surgical excision was again performed in the same way as before, and the same diagnosis was confirmed. Every 6 months, ultrasound examination is being conducted to assess for recurrence. The patient has not had any further complications or a relapse for the last 3 years. Prompt bursectomy can be a definitive and long-lasting treatment option for scapulothoracic bursitis accompanied by SLE.

Isolated unilateral temporalis muscle hypertrophy of unknown etiology: a case report and literature review.

The initial instance of isolated unilateral temporalis muscle hypertrophy (IUTMH) was reported in 1990. Since then, only few cases have been documented. The cause of this condition remains ambiguous; however, it is presumed to be linked to compensatory and stress-induced hypertrophy. We introduce a rare case of the diagnosis and treatment of IUTMH. A 39-year-old woman presented with a steadily enlarging pain-free swelling on the left side of her face, first noticed a month ago. Apart from a hyperthyroidism medication regimen her medical history was unremarkable. She had no history of temporomandibular joint disease, bruxism, surgery, or trauma. However, she complained of having been under substantial stress lately. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging revealed asymmetric temporalis muscle hypertrophy. The treatment plan consisted of administering type A botulinum toxin injections into left temporalis muscle, supplemented by lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques. At a follow-up visit 9 months after the injections, the muscle contour was normalized both in physical and in radiologic examinations. While further supportive evidence is needed, it can be anticipated that cosmetic treatment with botulinum toxin, rather than surgical interventions, will become the standard treatment of IUTMH.

Myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma in the teres minor muscle: A case report.

RATIONALE: Myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma (MPL) is a rare aggressive adipocytic tumor that mainly presents in children and adolescents. It is most frequently observed in the mediastinum and rarely in the head and neck, perineal region, or back. Herein, we report the first published case of MPL of the teres minor muscle. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 24-years-old woman presented with a painless palpable mass in her right shoulder. DIAGNOSES: Magnetic resonance imaging identified a 9.0 × 7.0 × 4.0 cm mass suspected to be a sarcoma in the teres minor muscle. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography revealed no evidence of distant metastasis. Histopathological examination revealed the mass to be an MPL, which was assigned a histologic grade of 3 according to the French Federation of Cancer Centers Sarcoma Group system. No tumor cells were observed along the resected margins. INTERVENTIONS: Under general anesthesia, the right teres minor muscle containing the mass was excised en bloc and frozen biopsy confirmed that the tumor cells did not invade the surrounding tissues. OUTCOMES: The patient underwent radiotherapy and was followed up for 6 months without complications. LESSONS: Although MPL in the teres minor muscle is rare, it should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with a mass in the teres minor muscle due to its poor prognosis.

Do closed reduction and fracture patterns of the nasal bone affect nasal septum deviation?

BACKGROUND: Many severe nasal bone fractures present with septal fractures, causing postoperative septal deviation and negatively affecting the patients' quality of life. However, when a septal fracture is absent, it is difficult to predict whether surgical correction can help minimize nasal septal deviation postoperatively. This study determined whether performing closed reduction on even mildly displaced nasal bone fracture could deter the outcome of septal deviation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 116 patients aged 21-72 years who presented at the outpatient clinic and emergency room with fractures of nasal bones only without any involvement of the septum from January 2014 to December 2020. Patients were classified into three fracture type groups: A (unilateral), B (bilateral), and C (comminuted with depression). The degree of septal deviation was calculated by measuring the angle between the apex of the most prominent point and the crista galli in the coronal view on computed tomography images. The difference between the angles of the initial septal deviation and that of the follow-up was calculated and expressed as delta (Δ). RESULTS: Closed reduction tended to decrease the postoperative septal deviation in all fracture types, but the values were significantly meaningful only in type A and B fractures. In the surgical group, with type A as the baseline, type B showed a significantly larger Δ value, but type C was not significantly different, although type C showed a smaller Δ value. In the conservative group, with type A as the baseline, the other fracture types presented significantly lower Δ values. CONCLUSION: For all fracture types, closed reduction significantly decreased the extent to which the nasal septum likely deviated. Therefore, when a patient is reluctant to undergo closed reduction, physicians should address the possible outcomes and prognosis of untreated nasal bone fractures.

Electric Scooter-Related Trauma in Korea.

BACKGROUND: The number of users of electric scooters, which provide swift and convenient mobility options, has increased sharply over recent years as their distribution as a shared service has expanded. Although the number of accidents and related damage has increased accordingly, limited research has analyzed data on the new types of accidents arising from electric scooters. This study aimed to analyze data on trauma characteristics due to accidents that occurred during electric scooter use. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients who visited the regional trauma center of our institute due to electric scooter accidents from April 2018 to October 2021. Information was extracted on helmet-wearing status, sex, age, drinking status, accident timeframe, accident mechanism, electric scooter proficiency (period of use), injury severity, severe trauma, lethality, admission to the intensive care unit, surgery under general anesthesia, and the trauma region. RESULTS: Among the 108 patients involved in electric scooter accidents, 92 patients were not wearing a helmet. Eighty-nine patients (85.2%) were male. The average age of the patients without a helmet was 31.3 years, while that of patients with a helmet was 34.1 years. The most frequent causes of accidents were lack of electric scooter operation experience and falling off the scooter due to obstacles (90 cases). Whether surgery was performed under general anesthesia was not associated with helmet use or non-use, although all patients who underwent facial fracture surgery were not wearing a helmet. CONCLUSION: The craniofacial region was most frequently affected in electric scooter accidents and wearing a helmet was the best way to prevent craniofacial trauma. Although helmet-wearing is mandatory, the majority of treated patients were not wearing a helmet at the time of injury. Thus, there is an urgent need to introduce a helmet rental system, as well as strict legal requirements, to improve this situation.

Face Autotransplantation After an Accident.

ABSTRACT: Microsurgical replantation is considered the best method to treat avulsion or amputation injuries of unique head parts, including the scalp, eyelid, nose, ear, lip, and tongue. However, there is currently no report on microsurgical replantation of substi-tutable facial tissues in the literature. This report presents a patient with avulsed facial composite tissue composed of the skin and subcutaneous layers treated by microsurgical replantation. The present case shows that microsurgical replantation of small facial composite tissues is feasible. The authors suggest that the indication spectrum for microsurgical replantation should be expanded beyond current clinical practice.

Primary cutaneous apocrine carcinoma of the scalp: Two case reports and literature review.

RATIONALE: Apocrine carcinoma is a rare malignant sweat gland tumor that has been reported in approximately 200 cases. This tumor usually occurs in the axilla, but in rare cases, it can also develop in the scalp. In the present work, we report 2 cases of cutaneous apocrine carcinoma of the scalp. PATIENT CONCERNS: Two men visited our outpatient clinic with recurrence of tumor after undergoing surgery for scalp tumor at another hospital. DIAGNOSES: Brain magnetic resonance imaging of a 56-year old man showed the presence of a 5.0 × 4.5 × 4.4 cm scalp mass in the right parietal region, invading the skull and dura mater and a 2.2 × 2.0 × 0.7 cm bony mass without any skin lesions right next to the scalp mass. Neck magnetic resonance imaging of a 76-year-old man revealed the presence of a well-defined oval mass in the subcutaneous layer of the left occipital scalp and 2 enlarged lymph nodes in the left neck. Definite diagnoses were made postoperatively. The patients were diagnosed with cutaneous apocrine carcinoma. The diagnosis was confirmed through histopathological and immunohistochemical staining tests. INTERVENTIONS: The tumors were removed with a wide safety margin and reconstructive surgery was performed. OUTCOMES: Additional radiotherapy or chemotherapy was performed. Follow-up more than 6 months revealed no recurrence or metastasis. LESSONS: If accurate diagnosis and treatment had taken place at the initial stages of the primary cutaneous apocrine carcinoma, it would have been possible to prevent recurrence and intracranial invasion. As recurrent primary cutaneous apocrine carcinoma can become aggressive and difficult to treat, even a small mass on the scalp must be evaluated carefully and treated properly.

Early diagnosis and surgical treatment of primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphomas of the face in an Asian patient.

Primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell lymphoma (PCMZL) is an uncommon type of malignant lymphoma that mainly occurs in the trunk and upper extremity, with less frequent incidence observed on the head. Herein, we report the early diagnosis and treatment of a rare case of facial PCMZL in an Asian patient. A 51-year-old man presented with masses on the forehead and nose tip, which he had incidentally discovered 2 months previously. The masses appeared as a papule on the forehead and a patch on the nose. There were no signs of infection or bleeding, and the patient reported no other symptoms. After complete surgical excision, PCMZL was diagnosed based on the permanent biopsy. The histopathological findings revealed lymphoid aggregations with multifocal granulomas. Further treatment and follow-up were conducted at the hematology and oncology department. Despite its rarity in Asian populations, cutaneous lymphoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of facial masses. Early diagnosis and treatment based on a physical examination, imaging study, and excisional biopsy are important for a favorable prognosis.

Delayed rupture of a posttraumatic retromaxillary pseudoaneurysm causing massive bleeding: a case report.

Posttraumatic pseudoaneurysm of the face is caused by blunt, penetrating, or surgical trauma. Although its incidence is low, pseudoaneurysm rupture can cause a life-threatening, massive hemorrhage. A 48-year-old man visited our emergency center due to a fall-down accident. Three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) showed a comminuted zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture of the left face. After open reduction and internal fixation, the surgical wound healed without any complications. However, the patient was readmitted 10 days after surgery due to pus-like discharge from the wound. Contrast-enhanced CT to find the abscess unexpectedly revealed a pseudoaneurysm in the left retromaxillary area. Massive oral bleeding occurred on the night of re-hospitalization and emergency surgery was done. The bleeding site was identified as a pseudo-aneurysmal rupture of the posterior superior alveolar artery in the retromaxillary area. Hemostasis was achieved by packing Vaseline gauze in the maxillary sinus using an endoscope. Delayed rupture and massive bleeding of posttraumatic retromaxillary pseudoaneurysm after a zygomaticomaxillary fracture is a low-probability, but high-impact event. Therefore, additional contrast-enhanced CT should be considered to evaluate the possibility of a posttraumatic pseudoaneurysm in cases of severe comminuted zygomaticomaxillary fracture.

Frequency of Trauma, Physical Stress, and Occupation in Acral Melanoma: Analysis of 313 Acral Melanoma Patients in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic events are thought to be a cause of acral melanoma. However, little is known about the role of mechanical trauma or physical stress in the development of acral melanoma. OBJECTIVE: In our study, we evaluated the frequency of trauma, physical stress, and occupation in patients with acral melanoma and aimed to identify any pathological correlates of these factors. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 313 acral melanoma patients from Chonnam National University Hospital. We mapped melanoma-developed anatomical sites of acral areas and assessed patients' history of trauma, physical stress, and occupation. RESULTS: Among the 313 acral melanoma patients, many reported a traumatic event (84 of 313; 26.8%) or physical stress (91 of 313; 29.1%) before the melanoma developed. The most common anatomical sites in these patients were on the borders of the foot (136 of 313; 43.5%). Trauma was more commonly associated with the fingernails and toenails than other sites. The frequency of each type of physical stress depended on the site of the lesion. Farmer and fisherman were the most common occupations (130 of 313; 41.5%) of the acral melanoma patients. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that traumatic events, physical stress, and certain occupations are common in acral melanomas. Further studies are needed to establish whether these are risk factors for acral melanomas.

Slowly growing solitary neurofibroma of the thumb: A case report.

RATIONALE: Neurofibromas can develop as part of neurofibromatosis or as a solitary tumor. Although solitary neurofibromas generally grow slowly, they rarely grow for more than 10 years, and such tumors have not been described in the hand. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 60-year-old woman presented with a mass on the dorsum of the proximal phalanx of the right thumb that had been enlarging since more than a decade. DIAGNOSES: Preoperative imaging revealed a moderately defined soft tissue mass, which measured 1.5 cm × 1.5 cm × 0.7 cm, with no bone and joint abnormalities on the right thumb. The final diagnosis of the tumor was solitary neurofibroma without evidence of neurofibromatosis. INTERVENTION: En bloc resection of the tumor was performed through a longitudinal skin incision. OUTCOMES: After surgery, the patient had no complaints of pain but had a temporary tingling sensation. After 14 months of follow-up, no signs of recurrence of the tumor were observed and she was highly satisfied with the results of the surgery. LESSONS: Solitary neurofibroma is quite rare, especially one in the hand. However, in dealing with soft tissue tumors of the hand, particularly those with neurologic symptoms, neurofibroma should be included in the differential diagnosis.

Scar formation after lower eyelid incision for reconstruction of the inferior orbital wall related to the lower eyelid crease or ridge in Asians.

BACKGROUND: Transcutaneous lower eyelid approaches are associated with a risk of postoperative scarring depending on the distance between the incision line and the lower eyelid margin. The lower eyelid crease of Caucasians corresponds to a ridge-shaped fold in young Asians. However, this relationship has not been sufficiently evaluated in the latter. The authors, therefore, investigated the location of the scar and the lower eyelid crease or ridge to find the optimal location for the incision line. METHODS: This study included 60 out of 139 patients who underwent inferior orbital wall reconstruction through a lower eyelid skin incision between July 2019 and June 2020. According to the location of the scar, the patients were classified into three groups: group A ( ≥ 2 mm above the lower eyelid crease or ridge), group B (within the lower eyelid crease or ridge to 2 mm above the lower eyelid crease or ridge), and group C (within the lower eyelid crease or ridge to 2 mm below the lower eyelid crease or ridge). At 6 or 12 months after surgery, the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) score was obtained, the distance between the lower eyelid margin and the scar (DMS) and the distance between the margins of the peripheral pupil and the lower eyelid (DMPE) were measured, and the occurrence of ectropion was evaluated. RESULTS: Group B had the lowest POSAS score (A: 22.7 ± 8.0, B: 20.9 ± 2.4, C: 32.5 ± 4.1, p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis showed that the DMS was positively correlated with the POSAS score (p < 0.001) and that the risk of DMPE widening increased as the DMS decreased (p = 0.029). None of the patients had ectropion. CONCLUSION: When using the transcutaneous approach for inferior orbital wall reconstruction, the optimal incision site is within the lower eyelid crease or ridge to 2 mm above the lower eyelid crease or ridge.

Surgical indication analysis according to bony defect size in pediatric orbital wall fractures.

BACKGROUND: Orbital fractures are the most common pediatric facial fractures. Treatment is conservative due to the anatomical differences that make children more resilient to severe displacement or orbital volume change than adults. Although rarely, extensive fractures may result in enophthalmos, causing cosmetic problems. We aimed to establish criteria for extensive fractures that may result in enophthalmos. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients aged 0-15 years diagnosed with orbital fractures in our hospital from January 2010 to February 2019. Computed tomography images were used to classify the fractures into linear, trapdoor, and open-door types, and to estimate the defect size. Data on enophthalmos severity (Hertel exophthalmometry results) and fracture pattern and size at the time of injury were obtained from patients who did not undergo surgery during the follow-up and were used to identify the surgical indications for pediatric orbital fractures. RESULTS: A total of 305 pediatric patients with pure orbital fractures were included-257 males (84.3%), 48 females (15.7%); mean age, 12.01± 2.99 years. The defect size (p= 0.002) and fracture type (p= 0.017) were identified as the variables affecting the enophthalmometric difference between the eyes of non-operated patients. In the linear regression analysis, the variable affecting the fracture size was open-door type fracture (p< 0.001). Pearson's correlation analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between the enophthalmometric difference and the bony defect size (p= 0.003). Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, a cutoff value of 1.81 cm2 was obtained (sensitivity, 0.543; specificity, 0.724; p= 0.002). CONCLUSION: The incidence of enophthalmos in pediatric pure orbital fractures was found to increase with fracture size, with an even higher incidence when open-door type fracture was a cofactor. In clinical settings, pediatric orbital fractures larger than 1.81 cm2 may be considered as extensive fractures that can result in enophthalmos and consequent cosmetic problems.

Trauma severity and mandibular fracture patterns in a regional trauma center.

BACKGROUND: Mandibular fractures are one of the most common types of facial fractures, the treatment of which can be delayed due to the severity of the trauma resulting in an increase of complications; thus, early evaluation of trauma severity at the time of visit is important. In South Korea, trauma patients are triaged and intensively treated in designated regional trauma centers. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between trauma severity and mandibular fracture patterns. METHODS: A medical records review was performed on patients who visited the regional trauma center at our hospital for mandibular fracture between 2009 and 2018. Epidemiologic data and mandibular fracture patterns were analyzed and compared with the conventional facial injury severity scale (FISS). RESULTS: Among 73 patients, 51 were classified as non-severe trauma patients and 22 as severe trauma patients. A higher trauma severity was associated with older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.164; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.057-1.404) and lower risk was associated with fractures located in the angle (OR, 0.001; 95% CI, 0-0.022), condylar process (OR, 0.001; 95% CI, 0-0.28), and coronoid process (OR, 0.004; 95% CI, 0-0.985). The risk was lower when the injury mechanism was a pedestrian traffic accident (OR, 0.004; 95% CI, 0-0.417) or fall (OR, 0.004; 95% CI, 0-0.663) compared with an in-car traffic accident. Higher FISS (OR, 1.503; 95% CI, 1.155-2.049) was associated with a higher trauma severity. The proposed model was found to predict the trauma severity better than the model using FISS (p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: Age, location of mandibular fractures, and injury mechanism showed significant relationships with the trauma severity. Epidemiologic data and patterns of mandibular fractures could predict the trauma severity better than FISS.