Incidence, patterns, and management of frontal sinus fractures: A 10-year retrospective study at a tertiary medical center, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of various frontal sinus fractures (FSF) and examine the relationships between these fractures, types of treatments, and potential complications. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out in King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study analyzed the records of patients who were diagnosed and treated with FSF from 2011-2021. Files with missing documents or incomplete treatment were excluded. The retrieved data includes: patients age, gender, types, locations, treatment, and complications of FSF. Data was analyzed by the statistical Package for the Social Sciences Statistics, version 23.0 using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test. RESULTS: A total of 72 cases were included, 94.4% males and 5.6% females. Road traffic accidents were the common cause of trauma (91%). Frontal sinus fractures were unilateral in 59.7% and associated other injuries in 80.6% of cases. Anterior table fractures were the largest proportion (58.3%), followed by anterior and posterior table (37.5%). The carried out surgical procedures were obliteration (23.9%), cranialization and obliteration (23.9%), and fixation only (52.2%). The post-operative complications were categorized into; neurological (22.2%), ophthalmic (15.3%), infection (2.8%), and deformity (16.7%). Anterior and posterior table had the highest percentage among these categories. CONCLUSION: Frontal sinus fractures were mostly required surgical treatment (63.9%) and post-operative complications occurred especially the neurological and ophthalmic. We recommend studies on the association of complications and different types of obliteration materials.

Trends in Management and Cost Burden of Facial Fractures: A 14-Year Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss patient demographics and management and better understand the economic impact associated with the treatment of facial fractures at a major metropolitan level 1 trauma center. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: We identified 5088 facial fractures in 2479 patients who presented from 2008 to 2022. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, treatment information, and hospital charges were collected and analyzed to determine factors associated with surgical management and increased cost burden. RESULTS: Our 14-year experience identified 1628 males and 851 females with a mean age of 45.7 years. Orbital fractures were most common (41.2%), followed by maxilla fractures (20.8%). The most common mechanism was fall (43.0%). Surgical management was recommended for 41% of patients. The odds of surgical management was significantly lower in female patients, patients age 65 and older, and patients who presented after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The odds of surgical management was significantly higher for patients who had a mandible fracture or greater than 1 fracture. The average cost of management was highest for naso-orbito-ethmoidal fractures ($37,997.74 ± 52,850.88), followed by LeFort and frontal fractures ($29.814.41 ± 42,155.73 and $27,613.44 ± 39.178.53, respectively). The highest contributor to the total average cost of management was intensive care unit-related costs for every fracture type, except for mandible fractures for which the highest contributor was operating room (OR)-related costs. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents one of the largest comprehensive databases of facial fractures and one of the first to provide a descriptive cost analysis of facial trauma management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:3120-3126, 2024.

Assessment of quality of life in patients with surgically treated maxillofacial fractures.

Background: The complex nature of maxillofacial injuries can affect the surgical treatment outcomes and general well-being of the patient. To evaluate the efficiency of the surgical treatment, assessment of the quality of life (QOL) of the patients is of vital importance. Due to the absence of an exclusive QOL assessment tool for maxillofacial fractures, we introduce the 'Twenty-point quality of life assessment in facial trauma patients in Indian population'. The aim of this study was to assess and evaluate the QOL following surgical management of maxillofacial trauma patients based on the severity of the injury. Methods: The study consisted of 182 subjects divided into two groups of 91 each (Group A: severe facial injury and Group B: mild to moderate facial injury). The Facial Injury Severity Scale (FISS) was used to determine the severity of facial fractures and injuries. The twenty-point quality of life assessment tool includes Zone 1 (Psychosocial impact) and Zone 2 (Functional and aesthetic impact), with ten domains each to assess QOL. Results: In Zone 1, the mean scores for Group A and Group B were 38.6 and 39.26, respectively. In Zone 2, Group B (44.56) had higher mean scores compared to Group A (32.92) (p< 0.001). Group B (83.8) had higher mean scores compared to Group A (71.58) when the total of both Zone 1 and Zone 2 were taken into consideration (p<0,001). In Group A, 9 out of 91 patients had a total score of 81- 100 compared to 68 in the same range in Group B. Conclusions: Proper surgical management with adequate care to the hard and soft tissues can improve the QOL by reducing postoperative psychosocial and functional complications. Aesthetic outcomes play an important role in determining the QOL. Mild/ Moderate injuries show better QOL compared to severe maxillofacial injuries.

The Epidemiology and Management of Maxillofacial Fractures at a Tertiary Care Hospital in a Conflict-Torn Region in Somalia.

ABSTRACT: The etiology of maxillofacial fractures (MFFs) varies according to the geographical location and density of the population. This study aimed to analyze the etiology, pattern, and treatment of MFFs. Epidemiological characteristics and treatment modalities of MFFs have never been evaluated in Somalia. The study included 45 patients who were operated on for MFFs at a tertiary care hospital in Somalia (2018-2019). Patient demographics, fracture causes, types, associated non-facial injuries, treatment modalities, and hospitalization-time were evaluated. The most common etiological factors of the MFFs were explosion (24.4%) and assault (24.4%), followed by gunshot (22.2%), sports accident (15.6%), motor vehicle accident (11.1%), and fall from height (2.2%) patients, respectively. The main site of injury was the mandible bone (64.4%) followed by nasal bone, maxilla, zygomatic, and orbital region. The most common non-facial injuries of the MFFs were soft tissue laceration (37.8%) followed by femoral fracture (6.7%), clavicle fracture (4.4%), and femoral fracture with chest injuries (2.2%). The most applied treatment was open reduction microplate +/- intermaxillary fixation (77.8%). Due to the size of the mandible fractures, an iliac autograft (6.7%) was performed. The mean length of the hospital stay was 11.8 ±â€Š8.4 days (range, 1-45 days), and some patients (15.6%) needed intensive care due to severe injuries. This will be the first study aiming to analyze the etiology, pattern, and treatment of MFFs in Somalia. This study deals with the social aspects of Somalia, and it shows that MFFs develop as a result of highly interpersonal violence in a young man.

Radiological assessment of facial fractures: a comparative study between surgeon and radiologist.

BACKGROUND: The authors aimed to examine the differences in CT facial bone interpretation by the faciomaxillary surgeon and the radiologist, in order to improve communication gaps and subsequently, the quality and consistency of patient care. METHODS: This study was conducted at a level I tertiary trauma centre. Patients with facial trauma who were referred to the faciomaxillary unit following a facial CT examination from August 2017 to September 2018 were eligible for inclusion. The inclusion period was extended to 5 years for panfacial trauma patients. All consecutive patients that fulfilled the study inclusion criteria for each type of injury were included in the study (a total of 120 patients assigned to the following six categories: orbits, skull and skull base, zygomaticomaxillary complex, Le Fort pattern, mandible and pan-facial fractures). Faciomaxillary surgeons, blinded to the radiology report, were asked to provide a verbal description of the fractures. The surgical interpretation was compared to the radiology report and further analysed. RESULTS: Of the 120 cases, the same fractures were reported in 43 cases (35.8%). Both types of specialists noted the predominant and clinically relevant fractures in 106 cases (88.3%). The reports did not match in 14 cases (11.7%) and different terminology was used in 76 cases (63.3%), with agreement in 25% (95% CI: 18-34%), partial agreement in 11.7% (95% CI: 5.9-17.4%) and no agreement in 63.3% (95% CI: 54.7-72.0%) cases. CONCLUSION: Radiologists and faciomaxillary surgeons frequently differ in their assessment of facial fractures.

Trends in Operative Complex Middle and Upper Maxillofacial Trauma: A 17-Year Study.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Over 3 million incidents of facial trauma occur each year in the United States. This study aims to determine trends in operative middle and upper maxillofacial trauma in one of the largest US cities. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of all operative middle and upper maxillofacial trauma from July 1993 to July 2010 presenting to Los Angeles County Hospital, a Level I Trauma Center. Data included demographics, mechanism of injury, and fracture characteristics. RESULTS: Analysis was performed for a total of 4,299 patients and 5,549 facial fractures. Mean patient age was 34.6, and most patients were male (88%). Between the two time periods (1993-2001 and 2002-2010), there was a 42% reduction in operative maxillofacial trauma (3,510 to 2,039). Orbital floor and zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures were the most prevalent types of fractures. Panfacial fractures demonstrated the largest reduction in number of fractures (325 to 5, P<0.01). Assault and motor vehicle accidents (MVA) were the two most common mechanisms of injury. Operative fractures due to MVAs decreased (390 to 214, P = .74), whereas fractures due to assault increased (749 to 800, P<0.01). Compared to adults, pediatric facial trauma (age < 18) were caused by a higher percentage of MVAs (27% vs. 13%), auto versus pedestrian (9% vs. 5%), and gunshot wounds (8% vs. 4%) (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Operative middle and upper maxillofacial trauma decreased over a 17-year period. Assault was the most significant mechanism of trauma overall. These trends suggest that focusing future prevention strategies on curtailing interpersonal violence may more effectively address the burden of facial trauma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 131:1985-1989, 2021.

The Epidemiology and Management of Pediatric Maxillary Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Most literature regarding traumatic Le Fort or maxillary fractures exists in the adult population, with limited information regarding the epidemiology and management of pediatric fractures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate fracture mechanism, surgical management, and associated injuries in pediatric patients with Le Fort fractures. METHODS: A retrospective chart analysis of all pediatric patients age ≤18 years diagnosed with facial fractures at a single level 1 trauma center over a 10-year period (January 2006-December 2015) was performed. Demographics, fracture location, mechanism of injury, and hospital course were abstracted as well as associated injuries and need for operative management. RESULTS: A total of 1274 patients met inclusion criteria. Sixty-nine (5.4%) presented with Le Fort fractures. Factors associated with Le Fort fractures included motor vehicle collisions (P < 0.001), increased age (P < 0.001), and traumatic brain injury (P < 0.04). Patients with Le Fort fractures were more likely to need intensive care unit admission (P < 0.001), surgical management (P < 0.001), transfusions (P < 0.001), secondary fixation surgery (P < 0.001), and have a longer length of stay (P < 0.001). Multivariate showed increased odds for increased age (OR 1.1; 95%CI 1.04-1.17) and concomitant orbit fractures (OR 8.33; 95%CI 4.08-19.34). Decreased odds were associated for all mechanisms of injury other than motor vehicle collisions (Other blunt trauma: OR 0.36; 95%CI 0.2-0.6. Penetrating trauma: OR 0.13; 95%CI 0.01-0.6). CONCLUSION: Maxillary or Le Fort fractures represent a small portion of pediatric facial fractures but require high rates of operative management. The high velocity required to create this fracture type is associated with significant traumatic comorbidities, which can complicate the hospital course.

National Trends in Pediatric Facial Fractures: The Impact of Health Care Policy.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic injuries are significant sources of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. Using a national database, this study aims to characterize pediatric facial fracture management and the effect of health care policy changes on populations receiving treatment. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed using Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database databases from 2000 to 2016. Pediatric patients admitted with a facial fracture diagnosis were included. Clinical outcomes include mortality, reduction of fracture during hospital stay, and open fracture reduction. The impact of the Affordable Care Act on patient demographics and management was assessed. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2016, 82,414 patients were managed for facial fractures, 8.3 percent of whom were managed after implementation of the Affordable Care Act (n = 6841). Mean age was 15.2 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 2.9:1. Significant racial disparities were identified before the Affordable Care Act: African American and Native American patients had decreased odds of having facial fracture reduction during the initial hospital stay (OR, 0.84 and 0.86, respectively), and identifying as either Hispanic or Native American was associated with higher odds of mortality (OR, 1.4 or 2.4, respectively). Race was not contributory to patient mortality after the Affordable Care Act. Before Affordable Care Act implementation, patients receiving care with no charge (including charity care/charity research) had lower odds of having an open reduction or any reduction; insurance status was not contributory to management after the Affordable Care Act. CONCLUSION: Although the Affordable Care Act may have increased access to care for certain populations, race- and sex-associated differences in mortality rate and fracture management should be further investigated to ensure a national standard of equitable patient care.

Opioid Prescribing and Use Patterns in Postsurgical Facial Trauma Patients.

BACKGROUND: Facial fractures are painful injuries routinely managed by opioids after surgical repair. Studies have identified patient risk factors and prescribing patterns associated with opioid use in medicine and general surgery; however, little is known about these entities in the facial trauma population. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of opioid-naive patients undergoing surgical repair of facial fractures was conducted using the Truven Health MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters (2006 to 2015) and Medicaid Multi-State Databases (2011 to 2015). Eligible procedures included nasal, nasoorbitoethmoid, orbital, mandible, and Le Fort fracture repair. Opioid type, daily dosage, and prescription duration were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine independent predictors of prescription refill. RESULTS: A total of 20,191 patients undergoing surgical repair of facial fractures were identified. Of these, 15,861 patients (78.6 percent) filled a perioperative opioid prescription. Refill (58.7 percent) and potentially inappropriate prescribing (39.4 percent) were common among this population. Patient factors including prior substance use (adjusted OR, 1.84; 95 percent CI, 1.63 to 2.07) and history of mental health disorder (adjusted OR, 1.43; 95 percent CI, 1.06 to 1.91) were independent predictors of refill. Increased odds of refill were seen in patients prescribed tramadol (OR, 1.98; 95 percent CI, 1.48 to 2.66) and those who underwent multiple surgical repairs (OR, 3.38; 95 percent CI, 2.54 to 4.50). CONCLUSIONS: Refill and potentially inappropriate prescribing occurred at high rates in facial trauma patients undergoing surgical repair. Additional studies are needed to develop guidelines for proper opioid prescribing in this population. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

The Characteristics and Cost of Le Fort Fractures: A Review of 519 Cases From a Nationwide Sample.

PURPOSE: The aims were to report the characteristics of Le Fort fractures and to quantify the associated hospital costs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 2015 to December 2016, the National Inpatient Sample was searched for patients admitted with a primary diagnosis of a Le Fort fracture. Predictor variables were drawn from demographic, admission, and injury characteristics. The outcome variable was hospital cost. Summary statistics were calculated and compared among Le Fort patterns. Univariate comparisons and multivariate regression analyses were conducted to determine predictors associated with cost. RESULTS: A total of 519 patients were identified in this cohort. Associated injuries included skull fractures (28%), intracranial hemorrhage (13%), cervical spine injury (9.8%), and concussion (9.1%). Seventy-three percent of patients received open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for their facial fractures during their admission, 13% received a tracheostomy, and 10% were mechanically ventilated for at least 1 day. The ventilation (P < .01) and tracheostomy (P < .01) rates increased with Le Fort complexity, as did length of stay (LOS; P < .01), costs (P < .01), and charges (P < .01). The mean costs of treating Le Fort I, II, and III fractures were $25,836, $28,415, and $47,333, respectively. Increased cost was independently associated with younger age, male gender, African-American ethnicity, Le Fort II and III patterns, motor vehicle accident etiology, mechanical ventilation requirement, tracheostomy, ORIF, transfer to an outside facility, and increased LOS. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of head injuries and the need for respiratory support substantially increased with Le Fort complexity. Hospital costs were not markedly influenced by the diagnosis and management of associated injuries. Instead, costs were predominantly driven by fracture complexity and the need for necessary procedures, such as ORIF, tracheostomy, and mechanical ventilation.

[Frequency and management of complex facial fractures-an oral and maxillofacial surgical assessment]. / Häufigkeit und Management von Gesichtsschädelfrakturen ­ eine MKG-chirurgische Einschätzung.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of facial fractures is an integral part of the oral and maxillofacial surgical treatment spectrum. In the case of complex fractures that involve multiple levels of the facial skeleton associated with severe concomitant injuries, an individual and interdisciplinary treatment approach is needed, which requires the infrastructure of a national trauma center. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence and management of patients with complex facial fractures and considering the concomitant injury pattern. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients with complex facial fractures during the years 2009-2015 admitted to the emergency surgical department of a national trauma center was carried out. The identification of appropriate patient cases was based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD) coding of electronic patient data. Only patients with at least a combination of mandibular and midfacial fractures (2-level fractures) were considered. Patients with mainly dentoalveolar fractures and simple nasal bone fractures were not included. The evaluation of the electronic medical records included the etiology, fracture pattern, associated severe injuries on the basis of the injury severity score (ISS), treatment regimen as well as the length of the hospital stay. RESULTS: In the 7­year study period, 3382 patients were identified with facial fractures. Of these, 128 patients (3.78%) presented with a complex fracture pattern with a combination of mandibular fractures and fractures of the midface. The majority of these patients (n = 92) had less severe concomitant injuries (ISS ≤ 16), while 36 patients showed severe concomitant injuries (ISS > 16). The incidence of a 3-level fracture involving the mandible, midface and anterior skull base was only 0.47% and could be detected in 16 patients, of which 10 were classified as polytrauma (ISS > 16). CONCLUSION: The incidence of complex fractures of the facial skeleton was comparatively low with almost 4%. More than one in four patients with complex injury patterns of the facial skeleton exhibited severe concomitant life-threatening injuries, necessitating an interdisciplinary management with the specialized infrastructure of a nationwide trauma center.

Evaluation of locally manufactured patient-specific custom made implants for cranial defects using a silicone mould.

BACKGROUND: Cranial vault defects can pose a significant problem for neurosurgeons where autologous bone is no longer available for cranioplasty. Numerous materials exist to create implants which include polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and titanium. A technique using 3-dimensional CT scan reconstruction of a cranial defect and creating a silicon mould which can be autoclaved in theatre to create a PMMA implant was developed. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy, cosmetic result, safety and cost-effectiveness of this procedure and compare this to existing techniques. METHOD: An ambispective study was performed in patients requiring cranioplasty with a custom made implant. Patients were assessed for risk factors and cosmetic outcome, surgical technique was described and complications and cost compared to existing literature between 2010 and 2016. RESULTS: Thirty retrospective and 30 consecutive prospective patients were recruited into the study. Overall sepsis rate was 8.3%. All septic cases had superficial sepsis of which 2 grafts were removed due to cerebrospinal fluid leakage resulting in wound breakdown. A 100% accurate implant to defect ratio was achieved leading to a high satisfaction rate. Average cost was 5 times cheaper than the closest market related product. CONCLUSION: Patient specific moulds using PMMA to create custom implants are safe, have excellent cosmetic results and are a very cost-effective option to manage cranial defects. Accurate planning strategies for large craniotomies, where bone will potentially be discarded, add to surgical effectiveness and cost-saving to the patient.

Transfer of children with isolated linear skull fractures: is it worth the cost?

OBJECTIVE Children with skull fractures are often transferred to hospitals with pediatric neurosurgical capabilities. Historical data suggest that a small percentage of patients with an isolated skull fracture will clinically decline. However, recent papers have suggested that the risk of decline in certain patients is low. There are few data regarding the financial costs associated with transporting patients at low risk for requiring specialty care. In this study, the clinical outcomes and financial costs of transferring of a population of children with isolated skull fractures to a Level 1 pediatric trauma center over a 9-year period were analyzed. METHODS A retrospective review of all children treated for head injury at Riley Hospital for Children (Indianapolis, Indiana) between 2005 and 2013 was performed. Patients with a skull fracture were identified based on ICD-9 codes. Patients with intracranial hematoma, brain parenchymal injury, or multisystem trauma were excluded. Children transferred to Riley Hospital from an outside facility were identified. The clinical and radiographic outcomes were recorded. A cost analysis was performed on patients who were transferred with an isolated, linear, nondisplaced skull fracture. RESULTS Between 2005 and 2013, a total of 619 pediatric patients with isolated skull fractures were transferred. Of these, 438 (70.8%) patients had a linear, nondisplaced skull fracture. Of these 438 patients, 399 (91.1%) were transferred by ambulance and 39 (8.9%) by helicopter. Based on the current ambulance and helicopter fees, a total of $1,834,727 (an average of $4188.90 per patient) was spent on transfer fees alone. No patient required neurosurgical intervention. All patients recovered with symptomatic treatment; no patient suffered late decline or epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS This study found that nearly $2 million was spent solely on transfer fees for 438 pediatric patients with isolated linear skull fractures over a 9-year period. All patients in this study had good clinical outcomes, and none required neurosurgical intervention. Based on these findings, the authors suggest that, in the absence of abuse, most children with isolated, linear, nondisplaced skull fractures do not require transfer to a Level 1 pediatric trauma center. The authors suggest ideas for further study to refine the protocols for determining which patients require transport.

Midline submental intubation might be the preferred alternative to oral and nasal intubation in elective oral and craniomaxillofacial surgery when indicated.

PURPOSE: No consensus exists to date regarding the best method of controlling the airway for oral or craniomaxillofacial surgery when orotracheal and nasotracheal intubations are unsuccessful or contraindicated. The most commonly used method of tracheostomy has been associated with a high degree of morbidity. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the indications, safety, efficacy, time required, drawbacks, complications, and costs of the midline submental intubation (SMI) approach in elective oral and craniomaxillofacial surgical procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective case series study was used to evaluate the surgical, financial, and photographic records of all patients who had undergone oral or craniomaxillofacial operations at Sharda University School of Dental Sciences, Greater Noida, from April 2006 to March 2014. The indications, drawbacks, time required for the procedure, ability to provide a secure airway, intra- and postoperative complications, and additional costs associated with SMI were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 2,823 patients treated, the present study included 120 patients (97 men and 23 women, aged 19 to 60 years). The average time required for SMI was 10 ± 2 minutes. No episode of intraoperative oxygen desaturation was noted. One intraoperative complication, an injury to the ventral surface of the tongue, was encountered. Two patients developed infection at the skin incision site. No significant additional cost was incurred with the use of SMI. CONCLUSIONS: SMI has been successfully used in elective oral and craniomaxillofacial surgical procedures for which oral and nasal intubations were either not indicated or not possible. The advantages include a quick procedure, insignificant complications, the ability to provide a stable airway, and no added costs, making SMI a quick, safe, efficient, and cost-effective alternative in such cases.

Cranial trauma and the assessment of posttraumatic survival time.

Assessment of trauma on skeletal remains can be very difficult, especially when it comes to the estimation of posttraumatic survival time in partially healed lesions. The ability to reliably estimate the time an individual has survived after sustaining an injury is especially important in cases of child abuse and torture, but can also aid in determining the association between an injury and eventual death. Here a case from South Africa is reported, where the skeletal remains of an unknown individual were found with cranial and scapular fractures. These fractures all presented with macroscopic features indicative of healing. Using recently published data on the timing of fractures by De Boer et al., the two sets of cranial trauma and the scapular fracture were assessed by means of radiology, histology and microCT scanning. This was primarily done in order to obtain more information on the events surrounding the death of this individual, but also to assess the usability of the published methods on cranial fractures. It was found that the initial trauma was most likely sustained at least two weeks before death, whilst a neurosurgical procedure was performed at least one week before death. It seems that cranial fractures, especially if stable, may show some different healing features than postcranial fractures. The individual has since been identified, but unfortunately as is often the case in South Africa, limited information is available and the medical records could not be found.

Minimal invasive and cost-effective method in reduction of maxillofacial fracture by using a Foley catheter ballooning technique.

The purpose of this study was to introduce 2 successful cases of orbital inferior wall fracture and maxillary sinus anterior wall fracture using the Foley catheter ballooning technique. One patient is a 43-year-old man with left orbital inferior wall fracture. A window on the sinus was made for visualization, and a Foley catheter was accessed through the natural ostium. The ballooned catheter was inflated to lift the inferior orbital wall rim and stationed for 2 weeks. The window was closed using metal plates and screws. Another patient is a 64-year-old woman with right maxillary sinus anterior wall fracture, nasal fracture, and orbital blow-out fracture. A Foley catheter was accessed through the fractured maxillary sinus and reduced into place and fixed with absorbable plates screws. The technique of stabilization of reduced maxillofacial fractures using a Foley balloon catheter with restorable plates and titanium plates showed stable results. This technique is relatively easy to undergo with minimal or no complications because of reduced operation time. Also, it is cost-effective compared with other materials providing similar results and heightens patient satisfaction.

Isolated skull fractures: trends in management in US pediatric emergency departments.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have suggested that children with isolated skull fractures are at low risk of requiring neurosurgical intervention, suggesting that admission to the hospital may not be necessary in many instances. We seek to evaluate current practice for children presenting to the emergency department (ED) for isolated skull fractures in US children's hospitals. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective multicenter cross-sectional study of children younger 19 years with a diagnosis of isolated skull fracture who were evaluated in the ED from 2005 to 2011, using the Pediatric Health Information System database. The primary outcome measure was the rate of hospital admission. Secondary outcomes were any neurosurgical procedure during hospitalization, repeated neuroimaging, duration of hospitalization, and cost of care. RESULTS: We identified 3,915 patients with isolated skull fractures, of whom 60% were male patients; 78% were hospitalized. Of hospitalized children, 85% were discharged within 1 day and 95% were discharged within 2 days. During hospitalization, 47 patients received repeated computed tomography imaging and 1 child required a neurosurgical procedure. Hospital costs were more than triple for hospitalized patients compared with patients discharged from the ED ($2,064 versus $619). CONCLUSION: Most children treated in EDs of US children's hospitals with isolated skull fractures are hospitalized. The rate of neurosurgical intervention is very low. A better understanding of current practice is necessary to assess whether these admissions are warranted or not.

Marvelous medicine: the untold story of the Wade-Dahl-Till valve.

On December 5, 1960, 4-month-old Theo Dahl, the only son of best-selling author Roald Dahl (1916-1990), had his skull shattered in a horrific traffic accident. What began as a personal tragedy for the Dahl family would soon evolve into a dogged crusade by Dahl to expand upon preexisting valve technology with the goal of developing a shunt that would not become obstructed. Based upon exclusive access to private archives of the Dahl estate, as well as interviews with those involved, this article tells the intricate tale of one famous father's drive to significantly alter the natural history of pediatric hydrocephalus. Dahl's collaboration with British toymaker Stanley Wade and pioneering pediatric neurosurgeons Joseph Ransohoff, Kenneth Shulman, and Kenneth Till to create the Wade-Dahl-Till (WDT) valve is examined in detail. The ensuing rift between the American and British contingents, the valve's multiple design revisions, and the goal of creating an affordable shunt for children in developing countries are among the issues addressed. The development of the WDT valve marked a significant turning point in the surgical management of pediatric hydrocephalus in general and in shunt valve technology in particular.

Changing characteristics of facial fractures treated at a regional, level 1 trauma center, from 2005 to 2010: an assessment of patient demographics, referral patterns, etiology of injury, anatomic location, and clinical outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Despite improvements in automotive safety, motor vehicle collision (MVC)-related facial fractures remain common and represent preventable injuries. This study examines the changing characteristics of facial fractures treated at a regional, level I trauma center, from 2005 to 2010. METHODS: We identified all patients with facial fractures admitted to our hospital, from 2005 to 2010, by querying the North Carolina Trauma Registry, using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. Prospectively collected data, sorted by year, were descriptively analyzed for demographics, referral patterns, etiology, anatomic location, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Number of patients with facial fractures increased from 201 per year to 263 per year (total n = 1508). Although transport distances remained constant at ∼85 miles, standard deviation increased from 37 to 68 miles. Transport time increased from 87 to 119 minutes. Referrals came from 28 surrounding counties in 2005 and 43 counties in 2010. Regarding etiology, MVCs decreased from 40% to 27%, all-terrain vehicle crashes decreased from 6% to 2%, falls increased from 8% to 19%, and bicycle accidents increased from 3% to 6%. Regarding anatomic location, frontal sinus fractures increased from 8% to 37%, zygomaticomaxillary fractures increased from 9% to 18%, nasoethmoid fractures decreased from 12% to 6%, orbital floor fractures decreased from 6% to 3%, and mandible fractures decreased from 28% to 18%. Single-site fractures increased from 75% to 90%. Length of intensive care unit and hospital stay remained stable at 3 and 7 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a decrease in MVC-related facial fractures, the overall increase in facial fractures referred to our trauma center is due to a growing number of patient transfers from rural hospitals, where a paucity of qualified surgeons may exist.