Closed reduction of nasoseptal fractures: key concepts for predictable results.

Nasal complex injuries are the most common facial fracture encountered in the trauma population. Multiple surgical techniques for treatment of these fractures have been described with varying results. The goal of this study was to review the efficacy of closed reduction of nasal and septal fractures using a technique based upon several key concepts. We reviewed the records of patients who had undergone isolated nasal and/or septal fractures with closed reduction at our institution between January 2013 and November 2021. Inclusion criteria consisted of preoperative CT imaging, surgical treatment within fourteen days of initial injury, and follow up of at least one year. All patients were treated under general or deep sedation. The same surgical technique was applied with closed reduction of the septum and nasal bones with internal and external postoperative splints. Of the 232 records initially reviewed, 103 met inclusion criteria. Four patients had undergone revision septorhinoplasty (3.9%). Mean (range) follow up was 2.7 (1-8.2) years. Three patients had undergone revision nasal repair due to persistent airflow obstruction with complete resolution of symptoms after revision. The other patient received multiple revisions at another institution as a result of their dissatisfaction with cosmesis without improvement. Closed reduction of nasal and septal fractures can be a highly successful procedure and yield predictable results, limiting the need for post-traumatic open septorhinoplastic surgery. Five critical concepts of nasal fracture repair can help surgeons achieve predictable functional and cosmetic results: selection, timing, anaesthesia, reduction, and support.

Current Concepts in Cranial Reconstruction: Review of Alloplastic Materials.

Cranioplasty for acquired cranial defects can be complex and challenging. Benefits include improved cosmesis, protection of intracranial structures, and restoration of neurocognitive function. These defects can be reconstructed with preserved craniectomy bone flaps, split autografts, or alloplastic materials. When alloplastic cranioplasty is planned, the material should be carefully selected. There is confusion on which material should be used in certain scenarios, particularly in composite defects. Methods: The PubMed database was used to conduct a nonsystematic review of literature related to these materials and the following factors: time required in preoperative planning and fabrication, intraoperative time, feasibility of intraoperative modification, fixation method (direct or indirect), implant cost, overall complication rate, and surgical revision rates. Results: Surgical revision rates for alloplastic materials range from 10% to 23%. Retention of titanium mesh at 4 years is 85% in composite reconstruction with free fasciocutaneous and free myocutaneous flaps. In composite reconstruction with locoregional and free muscle flaps, the retention of titanium mesh at 4 years is 47%. The retention of nontitanium and nonpreserved autogenous reconstruction is 72% and 82%, respectively. Conclusions: Alloplastic materials should be considered for reconstruction of large (>100 cm2) cranial defects, especially for adult patients younger than 30 years, and all patients with bone flaps that are fragmented or have been cryopreserved for an extended period. Preformed titanium mesh provides a favorable primary reconstructive option when a staged reconstruction is not possible or indicated but should be avoided in composite defects reconstructed with locoregional scalp and free muscle flaps.