Characteristics of Orbital Injuries Associated with Maxillofacial Trauma.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of ocular injury associated with maxillofacial trauma remains poorly defined, with reported rates ranging from 0.8% to 92%. Our study aims to more accurately characterize ocular injuries associated with midface fractures. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 1677 patients from 2015 to 2020 with midface fractures at a Level I trauma center. Isolated nasal bone and frontal process of the maxilla fractures were excluded. Demographic information, mechanism of injury, need for surgery, and ophthalmologic findings were documented. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS. RESULTS: 773 patients between the ages of 15 and 92 were identified. Trauma most commonly resulted from assault (63.8%). The association between the mechanism of injury and ocular injury was statistically significant (p = 0.003), with 78.6% of gunshot wounds and 44.3% of assault patients having an ocular injury. The Ophthalmology service evaluated 62.6% of cases preoperatively. Minor ocular injury occurred in 36% of patients, including 46.1% of isolated orbital floor, and 28.2% of zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures. Major ocular injury occurred in 10.5% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Over 10% of patients with midface fractures were found to have major ocular injuries. Ophthalmologic exams should be performed for all patients with midface fractures to guide clinical decision making and prevent further intraoperative ocular insults. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. This study represents a retrospective cohort study analyzing ocular injuries detected in patients presenting to a Level I trauma center with maxillofacial fractures between 2015 and 2020 Laryngoscope, 133:1624-1629, 2023.

What are the Risk Factors for Mortality Among Patients Who Suffer Le Fort III Fractures?

PURPOSE: Le Fort III fractures are the most severe subtype of the Le Fort fractures and are associated with adverse clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for mortality among patients who suffer Le Fort III fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was completed using the 2016-2018 National Inpatient Sample. Patients with isolated Le Fort III fractures were selected. Patients who incurred bone fractures or organ injuries outside the head and neck were excluded. There were multiple, heterogenous predictor variables. The primary outcome variable was mortality. Relative risk was used to determine independent risk factors of mortality. Statistical significance was deemed for P values less than .05. RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 559 patients (mean age, 45.9 years) who suffered a Le Fort III fracture, of whom 15 patients (2.68%) died. Most patients were male (82.7%) middle-aged adults (42.9%) of White race (66.5%) within the lowest income quartile (31.7%) that lived in large metro areas (54.9%). Relative to males, females were nearly 62 times more likely to die (P < .01). Relative to privately insured subjects, uninsured subjects were 23 times (P < .05) more likely to die. Relative to weekday admissions, weekend admissions increased the risk of mortality by 8 times (P < .05). Cranial vault fractures (odds ratio, 7.24; P < .05) and upper cervical fractures (odds ratio, 63.27; P < .05) were risk factors for mortality. Relative to males, females were at an increased risk for mortality (relative risk [RR] 7.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.60, 19.61). Skull base fracture (RR 2.99, 95 CI 1.04, 8.63), cranial vault fracture (RR 3.04, 95 CI 1.07, 8.65), subdural hemorrhage (RR 2.98, 95 CI 1.10, 8.05), subarachnoid hemorrhage (RR 6.73, 95 CI 2.34, 19.35), and injury of blood vessels at neck level (RR 13.24, 95 CI 2.46, 71.16) were each risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Intracranial injury was not a risk factor for mortality. Instead, cranial vault fractures and skull base fractures increased the risk for mortality. In addition, uninsured patients and female patients were each at an increased risk for mortality.

The Association of Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures with Naso-Orbitoethmoid Fractures in Pediatric Populations.

BACKGROUND: Naso-orbitoethmoid fractures associated with ipsilateral zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures are more challenging injuries than zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures alone. However, there is a paucity of information on this complex fracture pattern in the pediatric population. This study investigated the cause, treatment, and outcomes of combined zygomaticomaxillary complex and naso-orbitoethmoid fractures versus isolated zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures in pediatric patients. METHODS: This was a 25-year retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients who presented to a single institution with zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures. Baseline patient demographics and clinical information, and concomitant injuries, treatment/operative management, and postoperative complications/deformities were recorded and compared between patients with combined zygomaticomaxillary complex and naso-orbitoethmoid fractures and patients with isolated zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were identified to have had zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures in the authors' 25-year study period, of whom 46 had adequate clinical documentation and follow-up. Seventeen patients had combined zygomaticomaxillary complex-naso-orbitoethmoid fractures, of whom six had panfacial fractures. Both patient groups (zygomaticomaxillary complex only and combined zygomaticomaxillary complex-naso-orbitoethmoid fractures) were similar in terms of demographics. However, a significantly greater proportion of combined fracture patients experienced postoperative complications compared to isolated zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture patients, even after excluding those with panfacial fractures (87.5 percent versus 35.3 percent; p < 0.001). Enophthalmos (37.5 percent) and midface growth restriction (37.5 percent) were the two most common complications/deformities in all combined fracture patients. CONCLUSIONS: High-impact trauma can lead to zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures with associated naso-orbitoethmoid fractures in children. This injury pattern was found to cause significantly greater postoperative morbidity than isolated zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures alone. Thus, pediatric patients presenting with this complex facial fracture pattern should be closely monitored. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, II.

Maxillofacial injury related to an exploding e-cigarette.

Electronic cigarettes (also known as e-cigarettes or electronic nicotine delivery systems) were invented in China in 2003 then introduced to the British market in 2007. They remain popular among the public and are deemed to be effective in reducing tobacco smoking (the UK being one of the first countries to embrace them in a harm reduction policy). However, reports in the media of e-cigarettes exploding are of concern, considering the potential functional and psychological impairment that lifelong disfigurement will cause, especially given their uptake among people of any age. We present a case of this rare, but dramatic, effect of e-cigarette use as a warning to the public.

The association of Le Fort midfacial fractures with frontobasal injuries: a 17-year review of 125 cases, reflections on biomechanics, classifications and treatment.

The frequency of midface and frontobasal fractures has increased over the past 40 years despite the improvement and stringent regulation implemented on modern safety equipment (belts, helmets…). This observation might be correlated with the progress of radiodiagnosis tools. Literature was reviewed according to Prisma guidelines. We searched for reviewed articles, published between January 2000 and December 2017, through Medline (Pubmed) online databases and ScienceDirect, using the following MeSH Keywords: "Le Fort classification", "Le Fort fracture", "Frontobasal fracture", "skull base fracture", "Midface Fractures". Among 652 patients with frontobasal fractures, 125 (19.1%) were associated with a Le Fort fracture. 59 (9%) were associated with Le Fort III fracture, 51 (7.8%) with Le Fort II fracture and 15 (2.3%) with Le Fort I fracture. When frontobasal fractures were associated with midfacial fractures, we found 18 cerebrospinal fluid leaks (11.8 %) and 19 cases of meningitis (12.5 %). When only the frontobasal area was involved, there were 6 cerebrospinal fluid leaks (4.3 %) and 6 meningitis (4.3 %). Our results highlight a regular association between Le Fort fractures and frontobasal fractures for stages II and stage III of Le Fort fractures and also found a higher rate of neuro-septic complication. Further research shall investigate treatment and monitoring recommendations fitting modern epidemiology of craniofacial traumatology.

Clinical Analysis and CT 3D-Mediated Precise Internal Fixation in Maxillofacial Fracture.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To retrospectively analyze the epidemiological features, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of 610 patients with maxillofacial fractures, while providing a reference for the prevention and optimized treatment of maxillofacial fractures. METHODS: Data of patients with maxillofacial fractures who were treated and followed up at the Second People's Hospital of Kashi Prefecture from June 2012 to April 2018 were summarized. The epidemiological features, clinical manifestations, fracture sites, treatment methods, and results were analyzed. RESULTS: The highest incidence was in the age range of 20 to 49 years. The main cause of fracture was traffic injury. Mandibular fractures accounted for 37.77%, zygoma and zygomatic arch fractures for 37.00%, and maxillary fractures for 21.19%. Atypical zygomatic arch fractures were more common in the maxilla, followed by Le Fort I and II fractures. Closed fractures accounted for 85.97%. Many (73.39%) patients were treated with computed tomography 3-dimensional (3D)-mediated precision modified incision internal fixation with satisfactory results. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high incidence of maxillofacial fractures among young men, especially in summer, with the most common injuries being traffic-related injuries. The most common site is the mandible, followed by the zygomatic arch, zygomatic complex, and maxilla. Computed tomography 3D-mediated precision modified incision internal fixation can achieve satisfactory results.

Functional recovery time after facial fractures: characteristics and associated factors in a sample of patients from southern Brazil / Tempo de recuperação funcional após fraturas faciais: perfil e fatores associados em amostra de pacientes do sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT Understanding the cause, severity, and elapsed time for the restoration of the functions of maxillofacial injuries can contribute to the establishment of clinical priorities aiming at effective treatment and further prevention of facial trauma. The objective of this study was to understand the factors associated with the restoration of mastication, ocular, and nasal functions in the face of trauma victims, estimating their recovery time after surgical treatment. We analyzed 114 medical records of patients treated at the Hospital Montenegro, who attended follow-up consultations for up to 180 days. For analysis of the recovery time, we performed survival analysis, followed by COX analysis. We observed that half of the patients recovered their functions within 20 days. The average time for recovery from trauma in the zygomatic-orbital-malar-nasal complex was 11 days, and in the maxillary-mandibular complex, 21 days (HR: 1.5 [0.99 2.3], p = 0.055). Although functional reestablishment has reached high rates after the surgical approach, it is necessary to analyze the failing cases, as well as the economic impacts and the prevention strategies associated with facial trauma, to improve the service to the population.

RESUMO O entendimento da causa, da gravidade e do tempo decorrido para o restabelecimento das funções de lesões maxilofaciais pode contribuir para o estabelecimento de prioridades clínicas objetivando o efetivo tratamento e prevenção dos traumatismos de face. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi compreender quais os fatores associados ao restabelecimento das funções mastigatórias, oculares e nasais em vítimas de trauma de face, estimando o tempo para recuperação das funções, após o tratamento cirúrgico. Foram analisados 114 prontuários de pacientes atendidos no Hospital de Montenegro que compareceram às consultas de acompanhamento por até 180 dias. Para a análise do tempo para a recuperação, foi realizada a análise de sobrevida, seguida da análise de COX. Observou-se que metade dos pacientes recuperaram as funções em até 20 dias, sendo que o tempo médio para recuperação dos traumas no complexo zigomático-orbitário-malar-nasal foi de 11 dias e do complexo maxilo - mandibular de 21 dias (HR: 1,5 (0,99 - 2,3) p=0,055). Embora o restabelecimento das funções tenha atingido taxas elevadas após abordagem cirúrgicas, faz-se necessária a análise dos casos de insucessos bem como os impactos econômicos e as estratégias de prevenção associados aos traumas de face a fim de qualificar o serviço prestado à população.

Nasal Bone Fractures: Analysis of 1193 Cases with an Emphasis on Coincident Adjacent Fractures.

Importance: The nasal bone is one of the most commonly fractured bones of the midface. However, the frequency of coincident fractures of adjacent bones such as the frontal process of the maxillary bone, nasal septum, and medial or inferior orbital walls has not been fully evaluated. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of fractures of adjacent structures in the setting of a nasal bone fracture. Second, we propose a new classification system of nasal bone fractures with involvement of adjacent bony structures. Design, Setting, and Participants: One thousand, one hundred ninety-three patients with midfacial fractures were retrospectively reviewed. The characteristics of fractures of the nasal bone and the incidence of coincident fractures of the frontal process of maxilla, bony nasal septum, medial, or inferior orbital walls were analyzed. Exposure: All patients included in the study presented with nasal trauma. Main Outcomes and Measures: The coincident fractures of adjacent midfacial structures were assessed, and a new classification of midfacial fractures based on computed tomography (CT) scan images was proposed. Results: Among the 1193 cases, bilateral fractures of the nasal bone were most common (69.24%), and coexistent fracture of the frontal process of the maxilla and bony nasal septum was 66.89% and 42.25%, respectively. Coincident fracture of the orbital walls was observed in 16.51% of cases. The major etiology of fracture for the younger and elderly groups was falls, compared with assault as the most common etiology in the adult group. A classification scheme was generated in which fractures of the nasal bone were divided into five types depending on coexisting fractures of adjacent structures. Conclusions and Relevance: External force applied to the nasal bone can also lead to coexistent fracture of adjacent bony structures including the frontal process of the maxilla, nasal septum, and orbital walls. The proposed classification of nasal fracture based on CT imaging helps to incorporate coincident disruption of adjacent structures.

Epidemiology of Maxillofacial Fractures at a Teaching Hospital in Malaysia: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Epidemiology of maxillofacial fractures (MFF) varies between populations. This study investigated the epidemiology of MFF treated at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) Unit, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). METHODS: A retrospective review of 473 medical records of patients with MFF treated from June 2013 to December 2015 was conducted. Information on demographic characteristics of patients, aetiology of injury, types of MFF, and treatment was obtained. Descriptive analysis, Pearson's chi-squared test, and multiple logistic regression analysis were conducted. The level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: Most patients treated for MFF were males (82.2%), aged 30 and below (63.1%), and from Malay ethnic (97.4%). Road traffic accident was the most common cause of MFF (83.1%), with motorcycle accident accounting for most injuries (73.6%). Orbital wall fracture was the most frequent MFF type (51.2%). About half of MFF patients (51.4%) were treated conservatively. Patients aged more than 20 years old were at higher odds of sustaining orbital wall fracture (AOR= 1.76; 95% CI: 1.214-2.558; P= 0.003) but were at lower odds of sustaining mandibular fracture (AOR= 0.47; 95% CI: 0.315-0.695; P= 0.001) than patients who are 20 years old and younger. Helmet use among motorcyclists was significantly associated with the nasal, orbital wall, and maxillary sinus wall fractures (P= 0.006, 0.010, and 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSION: Motorcycle accident was the most common cause of MFF in Kelantan, Malaysia. Ages of patient and helmet use were associated with the type of MFF sustained. This study provides important information to facilitate the planning of MFF prevention strategies among motorcyclists and emphasizes the importance of using a helmet when riding a motorcycle.

Healing pattern of intentional pterygoid plate fracture after posterior movement of maxilla through Le Fort I osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate maxillary stability following Le Fort I osteotomy using postero-superior movement after pterygoid plate fracture. Additionally the authors sought to analyze the postoperative changes at the intentional pterygoid plate fracture site. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients with class III deformities treated with total maxillary setback at the Lefort I level were enrolled in a retrospective cohort study. Relative changes in measurement points were identified on cone-beam computed tomographic scans (CBCT) as well as lateral cephalograms. The outcome variables were determined as changes at measurement points obtained preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The average posterior repositioning of ANS in the 36 patients was 1.78 mm and the mean superior repositioning at PNS was 2.78 mm. The maximal recurrence rate was less than 10% at the 6 months postoperative time point. The intentional fracture site of the pterygoid plates healed with a linear pattern. There were no major complications such as airway edema, hemorrhage and nerve damage reported over the 6-month follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Intentional fracture of the pterygoid plates has a role in the retropositioning of the maxilla with good healing at the fracture site, little relapse and satisfactory postoperative stability.

Risk factors in oroantral communication while extracting the upper third molar: Systematic review.

The removal of the upper third molar is a procedure commonly performed in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Maxillary third molars are generally less difficult to extract than mandibular third molars. The surgical removal of maxillary third molars is usually associated with low complication rates and low morbidity. This procedure involves the risk of developing complications such as oroantral communication, displacement into adjacent anatomic spaces, fracture of the maxillary tuberosity, and root fracture. Orthopantomograms are the standard preoperative imaging modality, but there is no proven tool for predicting oroantral communication. New possibilities have been offered by cone-beam computed tomography, which is increasingly used in dentistry and is an innovative technique that provides more information as it eliminates the superimposition of surrounding structures and allows the acquisition of 3-dimensional images and their qualitative assessment. The aim of this systematic review was to assess risk factors during the extraction of the upper third molar using orthopantomograms and cone-beam computed tomography.

How Do Le Fort-Type Fractures Present in a Pediatric Cohort?

PURPOSE: Le Fort-type fractures are very rare in children, and there is a paucity of literature presenting their frequency and characteristics. The purpose of this study was to determine the etiology, frequency, and fracture patterns of children with severe facial trauma associated with pterygoid plate fractures in a pediatric cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of all children aged younger than 16 years with pterygoid plate and facial fractures who presented to our institute between 1990 and 2010. Patient charts and radiologic records were reviewed for demographic and fracture characteristics. Patients were categorized into 2 groups as per facial fracture pattern: non-Le Fort-type fractures (group A) and Le Fort-type fractures (group B). Other variables including dentition age, frontal sinus development, mechanism of injury, injury severity, and concomitant injuries were recorded. Univariate methods were used to compare groups. RESULTS: We identified 24 children; 25% were girls, and 20.8% were of nonwhite race. Most presented with Le Fort-type fracture patterns (group B, 66.7%). Age was significantly different between group A and group B (mean, 5.9 years and 9.9 years, respectively; P = .009). No significant differences in Injury Severity Score, rate of operative repair, and length of stay were found between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Most children with severe facial fractures and pterygoid plate fractures presented with Le Fort-type fracture patterns in our cohort. The mean age of children with Le Fort-type fractures was greater than in those with non-Le Fort-type patterns. However, Le Fort-type fractures did occur in younger children with deciduous and mixed dentition.

Retrospective analysis of 471 surgically treated zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures.

PURPOSE: Zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures are frequent in facial trauma; only fractures of the mandible are more common. Although the frequency of these fractures is geographically consistent, the aetiology differs widely among countries and even regions. Differences in socio-economic status and the ageing population seem to be two causes. This retrospective epidemiological study evaluates patients who were surgically treated for ZMC fractures at a Swiss university clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 471 patients who were surgically treated for ZMC fractures in an oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic at a Swiss university hospital between January 2004 and December 2012. Complicated fractures such as LeFort II/III and bilateral ZMC fractures were excluded. Data on gender, age, and type of trauma were recorded. Fractures were classified by aetiology: motorised road traffic (car or motorcycle), bicycle, interpersonal violence, sports, falls (both less than and greater than 3 m in height) and other causes. RESULTS: A total of 350 patients were male (74%), and 121 were female (26%). The ZMC fractures were most likely to occur in the third decade (117 cases, 25%). A predominance of male patients was found in the young age groups, but an equal ratio was found in the elderly groups. Etiologically, falls of less than 3 m were the most common cause of ZMC fractures (125 cases, 27%). Interpersonal violence was second (88 patients, 19%); male patients dominated this group, which had a male-to-female ratio of 21:1. A predominance of male patients was found in every subdivision when analysing by aetiology and gender. The lowest proportion of males (57%) was found for falls of less than 3 m. CONCLUSION: In our study, interpersonal violence and falls outnumbered road traffic accidents among causes of maxillofacial fractures. This is probably a consequence of strict road and work laws. Additionally, the older and more active populations accounted for the highest proportion of falls, and young male patients were the predominant victims of ZMC fractures.

Base of Skull Blocks for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Faciomaxillary Fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Faciomaxillary fractures (FMF) occur in a significant proportion of trauma patients. Nearly all polytrauma patients and even those with isolated FMF are managed under general anesthesia for definitive management. We propose the use of regional nerve blocks as a safe and effective means for open reduction and fixation of isolated FMF. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The aim is to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness and safety of base of skull maxillomandibular and distal trigeminal nerve blocks in the management of FMF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten young adults with fractures of the zygoma, mandible and Le Fort I/II injuries were included in the study. Patients with associated craniocervical and abdominothoracic injuries were excluded. RESULTS: The patients' ages ranged from 21 to 40 years, with a mean time of onset of anesthesia being 5 to 12 minutes and total duration of 105 to 220 minutes. Supplementary block for patchy anesthesia was needed in three. All underwent unhindered surgery without complication. CONCLUSION: Base of skull maxillary-mandibular and distal trigeminal blocks are an effective and efficient alternative to general anesthesia for the open reduction and internal fixation of FMF.

Retrospective Clinical Study of Maxillary Sagittal Fractures: Predictors of Postoperative Outcome.

PURPOSE: Because of less attention to the sagittal component of maxillary fractures, these fractures are often misdiagnosed or the reduction is missed leading to maxillary transverse discrepancies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with good or adverse postoperative outcomes of maxillary sagittal fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a single-center retrospective cohort study. The sample was composed of cases of maxillary sagittal fractures treated at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Craniomaxillofacial Trauma Unit of Xi'an Jiaotong University (Xi'an, China) from January 2008 through December 2013. The predictor variables were age, gender, occupation, cause of injury, injury severity, treatment timing, treatment method, and quality of fracture reduction. The outcome variable was the postoperative treatment effect index. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate statistics were computed. The P value was set to .05. RESULTS: The sample was composed of 40 cases. The male-to-female ratio was 4:1; the most vulnerable age group was 20 to 30 years (30%); laborers (72.5%) were more prone to injury; and the main cause of injury was motor vehicle accident (62.5%). No cases of isolated sagittal fracture were found and most (35%) occurred with other maxillary fractures, including Le Fort fractures. A statistically significant association between treatment timing and quality of fracture reduction and the postoperative treatment effect index (P < .05) was found. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that better results are achieved when fractured bone is treated sooner. Anatomic repositioning of the fractured bone is the important predictor for good postoperative outcomes.

Etiology and injury patterns of maxillofacial fractures from the years 2010 to 2013 in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany: A retrospective study of 409 patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to illustrate the injury patterns and the etiology of accident victims with maxillofacial fractures in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (M-P), Germany. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2010 and 2013, patients with maxillofacial fractures from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Helios Kliniken Schwerin, were evaluated with a specially constructed data set in a retrospective analysis. After review of the patient records, a case-related data collection was performed with the pre-set characteristics: age, gender, age group, maxillofacial fracture, and cause of injury. RESULTS: Of 409 patients, 79% (n = 323) were male and 21% (n = 86) were female. A fracture of the zygomaticomaxillary complex was most frequently observed (31%; n = 240). Midface fractures with orbital floor involvement were the most common fracture types (48.4%; n = 137). A significant percentage of the fractures (45.2%; n = 185) were caused by interpersonal violence; 70.8% (n = 131), and thus the majority of the patients who were treated due to a brutal offense, had consumed alcohol. Within this group, men in the age group of 20-29 years were most prevalent (38.7%; n = 125). Etiologically, 25.2% (n = 103) of fractures were caused by a fall. CONCLUSION: The regionalization of data on the distribution, emergence, and localization of maxillofacial fractures in M-P allows not only a national comparison but also an international comparison with areas that are in a similar strong socio-demographic change, as it applies to the East German population. This provides the opportunity to develop the global preventive measures and to apply suitable quality management.

[A retrospective study of 1 009 patients with oral and maxillofacial fresh trauma].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiological characters of fresh maxillofacial fractures in hospitalized patients by the retrospective study. METHODS: From Jan. 2008 to Dec. 2013, a total of 1 009 patients with fresh maxillofacial fractures treated at Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology were investigated. The data were statistically analyzed by SPSS 21.0. RESULTS: The male and female ratio was 2.94:1 and 33.5% of the patients aged from 20 to 30 years. The most common cause of the fresh fracture was road traffic accidents (424 cases, 42.0%), followed by tumblings (250 cases, 24.8%) and violence (128 cases, 12.7%). The number of new fracture was increasing gradually in recent years. The patients were at peak of 20-29 years old. The mandibular fracture was the most frequently seen (536 cases, 53.1%), followed by zygomatic complex fractures (233 cases, 23.1%). The simple maxillary fracture was rare and usually combined with other fractures. Infraorbital nerve injury was the most common one in nerve injuries (144 cases). The most common associated injury was extremity injuries (77 cases), followed by thoracic injury (65 cases) and craniocerebral injury (57 cases). Associated injuries were mostly caused by car accidents (127 sites), followed by fall (32 sites). Logictic regression analysis showed that fall and tumbling were risk factors of mandibular and condylar fracture (OR > 1, P < 0.05), while age was a protective factor (OR > 1, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Oral and maxillofacial fresh fractures most commonly occurred in young people, and the most common cause of fractures was road traffic accidents. Infraorbital nerve was involved frequently. The most common associated injuries was extremity injuries.

Loss of reflex tearing after maxillary orthognathic surgery: a report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Few reports have described the ophthalmic complications that occur after maxillary orthognathic surgery. Since cases of decreased reflex tearing after maxillary orthognathic surgery are extremely rare, we describe 2 cases of loss of reflex tearing after maxillary orthognathic surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: Two Asian women, an 18-year-old and a 32-year-old, suffered from unilateral dryness and irritation caused by maxillary orthognathic surgery. In both patients, Schirmer test (II) showed reduced reflex tearing in 1 eye. Computed tomography showed that the pterygoid plate had been fractured in both patients. CONCLUSIONS: The pterygopalatine ganglion and its associated fibers in the pterygopalatine fossa may be injured during Le Fort osteotomy.

Medial maxillary fractures revisited.

BACKGROUND: We consider medial maxillary fractures to be a unique type of nasomaxillary buttress fracture involving the lateral margin of the piriform aperture, the maxillary frontal process and the medial aspect of the infraorbital rim. This article aims to define medial maxillary fractures as a unique type of facial bone fracture. METHODS: Eight patients with medial maxillary fractures were treated at our hospital from May 2010 to June 2013. Every patient was preoperatively evaluated using three-dimensional and multidimensional computed tomographic scans and surgically treated. RESULTS: The subjects were seven men and one woman (mean age: 17.5 years). The common mechanism of injury was interpersonal impact followed by small object impact. All of the patients exhibited epistaxis and hypoaesthesia affecting the maxillary nerve and/or its branches, and some patients also displayed nasal deformities and/or diplopia. An oral approach was employed in every case, and it was combined with a subciliary approach in some cases. Medial maxillary fractures involve the maxilla, lacrimal bone, ethmoid bone and/or nasal bone. The main difference between medial maxillary fractures and nasoethmoid orbital fractures is the bones they affect. CONCLUSIONS: Medial maxillary fractures are a unique type of nasomaxillary buttress fracture and should be classified as such because of the bones they affect, their symptoms and the surgical approaches used to treat them.

Accidents and complications associated to third molar surgeries performed by dentistry students.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to demonstrate the accidents and complications rates on third molars surgeries performed by senior dentistry students. METHODS: A retrospective study of 122 patient charts submitted to third molars surgeries was done. Patient age, gender, dental in arch position, and accidents/complications were considered with the charts presenting incomplete dates being excluded from the study. After all, 88 patients (210 surgeries) were included. RESULTS: The majority of the patients were female (70.4 %), with the average age of 24 years. Mandibular molars represented more than half of the surgical procedures (56.2 %), with teeth at vertical position the most found (60.3 %). The cases of accidents and complications totalized 10.4 % of all performed procedures, being hemorrhage (1.9 %), root fractures (1.9 %), and maxillary tuberosity fracture (1.9 %) the most found. Suture dehiscence (1.4 %), dry socket (1.4 %), oroantral communications (0.9 %), paresthesia (0.9 %), and infection (0.4 %) were also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons' inexperience was not considered a determinant factor to modify the rates of accidents and complications at third molars surgeries when compared to previous works developed by experienced surgeons. It is important to highlight the necessity of the students' knowledge of the most adequate treatments of each of the accidents and complications.