Naso-Orbital-Ethmoid Fracture Repair Techniques: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: Naso-orbital-ethmoid (NOE) complex fractures present a challenge to repair. The classification system used to categorize the fracture type was established in 1991 based off the medial canthal tendon attachment. The primary objective was to systematically review the literature outlining repair techniques for NOE fracture after the adoption of the Markowitz classification system. METHODS: A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science to identify peer-reviewed research. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed articles reporting on operative techniques used to repair NOE fractures in adult patients after 1991. Two investigators independently reviewed all articles and extracted data. Level of evidence was assessed by Oxford Center for Evidence-based Medicine guidelines. RESULTS: This review identified 16 articles that met inclusion/exclusion criteria representing 517 patients. One article outlined a closed reduction technique with transnasal wiring. The remaining articles discussed open approaches with various exposure techniques, most common being the coronal incision. Miniplates and screws were most often implemented for rigid fixation as well as transnasal wiring to repair disrupted medial canthal tendon and canthal bearing bone in Type 2 and 3 NOE fractures. Ten of the studies included in this review had a level of evidence of 4. CONCLUSIONS: NOE fractures present a complex fracture pattern and challenge to repair. New exposure techniques and multidisciplinary approaches have been described. However, fixation techniques have remained relatively consistent through the years. Surgeon preference and comfort with performing the specific techniques leads to the best patient outcomes. With the low level of evidence referenced, more robust research is needed to evaluate these techniques.

Relation between anterior ethmoidal artery course on computed tomography and supraorbital ethmoid cell and Keros classification.

PURPOSE: The anterior ethmoidal artery (AEA) is an important risk area in endoscopic sinus surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the course of AEA according to the Keros classification and the presence of supraorbital ethmoid cell (SOEC) and to prevent possible complications by emphasizing the importance of preoperative paranasal computed tomography (CT) imaging. This approach will increase the effectiveness of endoscopic sinus surgery and improve patient safety. METHODS: The paranasal CT scan images of patients aged > 18 years between October 2020 and November 2021 from our center were retrospectively analyzed. The images were primarily evaluated in the coronal plane, and the sagittal and axial planes were utilized to evaluate variations in AEA regarding the skull base. Furthermore, the relation of AEA course with Keros classification and SOEC was evaluated. The study included 1000 patients aged 18-80 years (right and left, a total of 2000 samples). RESULTS: Grade 3 AEA was the most common regarding the skull base. Keros Type 2 was the most common classification. Overall, 48.7% patients had SOEC. The incidence of Grade 3 AEA was higher among patients with SOEC and a higher Keros classification compared with those without SOEC and a lower Keros classification. Furthermore, Keros Type 3 was the most associated with SOEC presence. CONCLUSION: Consistent with the literature, the probability of Grade 3 AEA in patients with high Keros classification and SOEC was significantly higher in our study. Therefore, we consider that preoperative imaging according to Keros classification and SOEC presence can predict AEA course and guide surgery.

Surgical Treatment of Complex Craniofacial Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: Severe craniofacial fractures may present different needs in treating intracranial lesions over facial injuries. This paper examines the results of our strategy, consisting of a single-stage combined neurosurgical-maxillofacial treatment. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 33 consecutive patients with complex fractures of the anterior cranial fossa and facial skeleton, who required elective surgery for craniofacial reconstruction. Patients who required emergency surgery for intracranial clots or penetrating wounds were excluded. In all cases, all or almost all the anterior skull-base was injured with compound fractures of the frontal sinus, the orbital roofs, the lamina cribrosa, and the planum sphenoidale. In all cases, the prioritization of treatment was carefully discussed, and surgical timing and strategy were agreed. RESULTS: There was 1 dead. Olfactory injuries were always found intraoperatively. There were no mucoceles, CSF-leak recurrences, cranial infections, or neurologic worsening. The functional and neurologic results were highly satisfactory. CONCLUSIONS: The one-stage surgical treatment of complex craniofacial fractures has numerous advantages, including the possibility of reducing facial fractures without the risk of CSF leaks. It also eliminates the need for repeated procedures in fragile patients, and the need to dismantle the facial reconstruction if the skull base repair is performed later. The main issue is the surgical timing, considering that the maxillofacial surgeon usually favors early facial repair, whereas the neurosurgeon generally prefers delayed manipulation of the contused frontal lobes. A timeframe of 10-14 days after trauma may be a good compromise for safe procedures with excellent neurologic and functional outcomes.

Review of olfactory cleft roof anatomy.

Progress in skull-base endoscopic surgery has improved our knowledge of olfactory cleft (OC) anatomy. This article presents a review of current knowledge concerning the OC roof: descriptive anatomy, radiological exploration, and endoscopic observation. The OC is a narrow area in the most superior part of the nasal cavity. Its roof is the thinnest structure separating the nasal cavities from the brain; it comprises three superimposed tissues: nasal mucosa, ethmoid cribriform plate (ECP), and dura mater. The ECP comprises the anterior ECP containing the ethmoidal slit (ES) medially and the cribroethmoidal foramen (CEF) laterally; and the posterior ECP, comprising the olfactory foramina. The OC roof is bordered anteriorly by the nasal bone roof, laterally by the lateral ethmoid masses, and posteriorly by the jugum and anterior wall of the sphenoid sinuses. Imaging is crucial for analyzing this wall, providing precise detailed information on conformation and anatomic relations with adjacent structures such as the anterior ethmoidal artery. Understanding OC roof anatomy and correct interpretation of imaging are essential for safety in present-day functional endoscopic sinus surgery and anterior skull-base oncologic surgery.

The Relation of the Anterior Ethmoidal Foramen to the Cranial Base.

PURPOSE: To perform a radiological analysis of the relation of the anterior ethmoidal foramen (AEF) to the cranial base and olfactory fossa (OF). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of computed tomography coronal scans of 35 orbits of 35 patients with Graves orbitopathy. Following a standard multiplanar reconstruction of the orbit, the authors measured the vertical and the horizontal distances of the AEF to the cranial base and to the lateral border of the OF, respectively. The height of the OF was measured at the level of the AEF and at the position of Keros classification. The presence of supraorbital ethmoid cells (SOEC) was also recorded. RESULTS: The vertical distance of the AEF to the cranial base ranged from 0.1 to 7.3 mm with a mean = 2.5 mm (SD = 2.17). In 47.5% of the orbits the foramen was adjacent (<1 mm) to the cranial base. The horizontal distance of the AEF to the lateral border of the OF ranged from 2.3 to 9.5 mm (mean = 5.4 mm, SD = 1.98). The presence of an SOEC (n = 12) increased significantly both the distance from the AEF to the cranial base and to the lateral border of the OF. The height of the OF at the level of AEF is not correlated with the depth of the OF at the level of Keros classification. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of supraorbital pneumatization, the AEF location is a dangerous landmark for the upper limit of the transconjunctival medial wall decompression.

Endoscope-Controlled High Frontal Approach for Dural Arteriovenous Fistula in Anterior Cranial Fossa.

BACKGROUND: Currently, surgical obliterations are a mainstay for treating dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) in the anterior cranial fossa (ACF), which has high risks of hemorrhage and functional disorder. By introducing an endoscope into a high frontal approach and utilizing its advantages, we attempted to establish it as a new surgical procedure that eliminates the drawbacks of various approaches that have been used to date. METHODS: By using 30 clinical datasets of venous-phase head computed tomography angiogram, measurements and comparisons on a 3-dimensional workstation were performed to identify the appropriate positioning of keyhole craniotomy for endoscope-controlled high frontal approach (EHFA). Based on these data, a cadaver-based surgery was simulated to verify the feasibility of EHFA and develop an efficient procedure. RESULTS: In EHFA, though raising the position of the keyhole craniotomy made the operative field deeper, significant advantages were obtained in the angle between the operative axis and the medial-anterior cranial base and the amount of bone removal required at the anterior edge of craniotomy. Minimally invasive EHFA, performed through a keyhole craniotomy without opening the frontal sinus, proved to be feasible on 10 sides of 5 cadaver heads. Moreover, 3 patients with DAVF in ACF were successfully treated by clipping the fistula via EHFA. CONCLUSIONS: EHFA, which provided a direct corridor to the medial ACF at the level of the foramen cecum and crista galli and the minimum necessary operative field, was found to be a suitable procedure for clipping the fistula of DAVF in ACF.

A Modified Technique in Rhinoplasty: A Septal Extension Graft Complex Using Septal Cartilage, Ethmoid Bone, and Auricular Cartilage.

BACKGROUND: Due to the small and weak septal cartilage of Asians, it is a challenge to obtain ideal tip projection and nose lengthening in this population by performing septal extension grafts with only septal cartilage. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to introduce a septal extension graft complex incorporating nasal septal cartilage, the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone, and bilateral auricular cartilage, and to examine its effectiveness in terms of morphological and mechanical support. METHODS: Septal cartilage was harvested under an endoscope according to standard techniques. Two pieces of the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone, placed on either side of the "L" strut, served as 2 spreader grafts. A double layer of auricular cartilage was fixed as columellar strut grafts. Three-dimensional facial scanning was used to examine the change of 3 parameters. Nasal tip resistance was evaluated by a digital Newton meter. RESULTS: In total, 25 patients were followed up postoperatively for a mean of 25.9 months. The analysis showed significant differences in both contour parameters and nasal resistance: nasal length (mean [standard deviation], 41.4 [4.0] vs 46.2 [3.4] mm, P < 0.05) and nasal tip projection (21.3 [3.2] vs 24.4 [2.7] mm, P < 0.05) appeared to increase postoperatively, whereas nasolabial angle (117.6° [5.9°] vs 109.5° [5.3°], P < 0.05) showed a significant decrease after surgery. The resistance of the nasal tip also increased significantly (P < 0.05) at displacements of 1, 2, and 3 mm. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results, and no serious complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: This kind of modified septal extension graft technique can effectively adjust nasal morphology for short-nose East Asians.

Anatomical identification of supraseptal posterior ethmoid cells and its significance for endoscopic sinus surgery.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the anatomical imaging characteristics of supraseptal posterior ethmoid cells (SPEC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Paranasal sinus computed tomography scans of 153 inpatients from February 2019 to September 2021 were reviewed, and the anatomical characteristics of SPEC in the scans were collected. RESULTS: Supraseptal posterior ethmoid cells are posterior ethmoid (PE) cells extending medially and superiorly to the posterior superior of the nasal septum and into the sphenoid body but not close to the optic canal. The SPEC, Onodi cell, and sphenoidal sinus (SS) may appear in the posterior superior of the nasal septum, but the occurrence rate of the SPEC (5.88%; 9/153 cases) was significantly lower than that of the SS (22.88%) and Onodi cell (21.57%). The anterior SPEC is adjacent to the cribriform plate, the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone and the posterior ethmoidal artery (PEA). The posterior SPEC is adjacent to the SS and PE (6/9 cases), the SS and Onodi cell (2/9 cases) or the PE only (1/9 cases). CONCLUSIONS: The SPEC is a rare pneumatization that occurs in the posterior superior area of the nasal septum. Care should be taken to protect the skull base, cribriform plate and PEA when opening the SPEC during endoscopic sinus surgery.

Anterior ethmoid and frontal sinus drainage pathways: five patterns formed and defined by their bony walls.

PURPOSE: To perform endoscopic sinus surgery safely and effectively, surgeons need to visualize the complex anatomy of the anterior ethmoid and frontal sinus region. Because this anatomy is so variable and individualized, the foundation of understanding lies in identifying, following, and visualizing the drainage pathway patterns and anticipating possible variations. METHODS: We studied 100 sides (50 cases: 22 male, 28 female, aged 12-86, average age 46.5 years, ± 19.5) using computed tomography (CT) and multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) to identify and classify the drainage pathways leading to the frontal sinus and anterior ethmoidal cells. RESULTS: Analysis revealed five patterns of drainage pathways defined by their bony walls: between the uncinate process and the lamina papyracea [UP-LP]; between the uncinate process and the middle turbinate [UP-MT]; between the uncinate process and the accessory uncinate process [UP-UPa]; between the uncinate process and the basal lamella of the ethmoidal bulla [UP-BLEB]; and between the basal lamella of the ethmoidal bulla and the basal lamella of the middle turbinate [BLEB-BLMT]. In most cases, BLEB formed the posterior wall of the drainage pathway of the frontal sinus, indicating BLEB could be one of the most important landmarks for approaching the frontal sinus. CONCLUSIONS: As endoscopic sinus surgery depends on an understanding of this anatomy, this study may help surgeons to identify and follow the drainage pathways more accurately and safely through the anterior ethmoid to the frontal sinus.

Radiological relationship of the ethmoid slit with the frontal sinus and the anterior ethmoidal artery and applications to the frontal sinus drillout.

PURPOSE: To compare two types of CT acquisition parameters: CT scan of the facial bone and CT scan of the sinuses, for studying the ethmoidal slit and its relationship with the frontal sinus and anterior ethmoidal artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 145 scans of the sinuses and 79 of the facial bones performed between 2012 and 2016. On each scan, the visibility of the ethmoidal slits, their length, their distance from the ethmoidal artery, and their relationship with the anterior and posterior wall of the frontal sinus were studied. RESULTS: The ethmoidal slit was better visualized on CT scans of the facial bone (58.2%) than on those of the sinuses (43.1%) (p = 0.02). The distance between the anterior ethmoidal artery and the anterior part of the cribriform plate was 9.3 mm for CT scans of the facial bone and 8.4 mm for CT scans of the sinuses. The theoretical risk of damaging the glabellar soft tissue and that of damaging the meninges during a frontal sinusotomy was evaluated, respectively, at 9.6% and 26.1% for CT scans of the facial bone, and at 6.2% and 21.5% for sinus scans. CONCLUSIONS: CT scans of the facial bone are better than CT scans of the sinuses for identifying ethmoidal slits and their distance from the canal of the anterior ethmoidal artery. The identification of these elements is relevant for the surgeon during frontal sinus surgery and makes it possible to assess the risk of damaging the glabellar soft tissue or meninges. Performing a CT scan of the facial bone seems preferable to that of a CT scan of the sinuses in certain pathological situations, such as cerebrospinal rhinorrhea or revision surgeries of the frontal sinus.

Reconstruction of Large Anterior Skull Base Defects After Resection of Sinonasal Tumors With Intracranial Extension by Using Pedicled Double Flap Techniques.

INTRODUCTION: The use of surgical resection for large anterior skull base (ASB) tumors and sinonasal malignancies with intracranial extension will result in a large skull base defect. Reconstruction of large ASB defects using traditional techniques is high risk and may lead to postoperative cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) leakage, meningitis, and an increase in mortality rate. The use of a pedicled double flap technique to reconstruct the ASB defect may decrease complications. This study presents the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent double flap reconstruction techniques after resection of their sinonasal malignancies with significant intracranial extension at Cho Ray hospital in Vietnam. METHODS: The case series study was conducted at Cho Ray hospital from September 2010 to September 2020. All patients with large sinonasal malignancies that invaded intracranially underwent transnasal endoscopic surgery and subfrontal craniotomy. Reconstruction of large skull base defects (>2 cm) were followed up by using the pedicled double flaps technique. This study was performed in line with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Approval of the study was granted by the Independent Ethics Committee of Cho Ray Hospital (Date: March 3, 2014/No: 11/BVCRHDDD). RESULTS: During September 2010 to September 2020, there were 75 patients who underwent a modified multilayer, double flap reconstruction technique after the resection of their ASB tumor. Skull base defects were commonly seen along the horizontal plate of the ethmoid bone and the ethmoid roof (98.6%). Large skull base defects (>2 cm) accounted for 81.3% of cases. Overall, the risk of postoperative CSF leakage and meningitis after double flap repair was considerably low. Of all participants, only 1 experienced postoperative CSF leakage and 1 experienced postoperative meningitis. Despite the complications, these patients improved significantly and remained stable. CONCLUSION: The use of double vascularized pedicled flaps may decrease the incidence of postoperative CSF leakage and meningitis. This technique is an effective method for the reconstruction of ASB tumors with large defects.

Evaluation of Cribriform Plate Dimensions and Middle Turbinate Length in Patients With Vomeral Agenesis: A Computed Tomography Study.

The cribriform plate and attachment area of the middle turbinate are anatomical structures that may potentially be injured during septoplasty and/or endoscopic sinus surgery. The purpose of this study is to compare the cribriform plate and middle turbinate length dimensions between patients with vomer agenesis (VA) and the control group using paranasal sinus computed tomography (CT). Paranasal sinus CTs performed in our hospital between January 2011 and January 2021 were evaluated and patients with VA were identified. A control group was created from patients who underwent paranasal sinus CT for various reasons during the same date interval. The cribriform plate and middle turbinate lengths were statistically compared between the groups. A total of 10,095 paranasal sinus CTs were evaluated and 54 patients with VA were identified. Seven patients with VA were excluded from the study because their measurements could not be made accurately. Forty-seven VA patients were included in the study group, while 94 patients were included in the control group. There was no statistical difference in cribriform plate dimensions (medial ethmoid roof plate height, cribriform plate height, cribriform plate lateral lamella height and width) between the groups (for all dimensions P >0.05). The middle turbinate length was significantly higher in the VA group (for right and left P =0.020 and 0.011, respectively). These findings theoretically suggest that the risk of cribriform plate injury during septoplasty and/or endoscopic sinus surgery is similar in patients with or without VA.

One-Stage Repair of Alveolar Cleft and Nasal Deformities Using Grafts From Nasal Septum: Application of Vomer, Ethmoid, and Septal Cartilage.

BACKGROUND: Patients with alveolar cleft unrepaired suffer from nasal deformities of different magnitude. Bone and cartilage grafts are harvested through several incisions. In this study, we present a method to simultaneously correct nasal deformities and repair alveolar cleft using grafts from the nasal septum. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All 6 patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate have alveolar cleft unrepaired combined with nasal deformity. Computed tomography scans and 3-dimensional-printed models of vomer and ethmoid bone were used for the purpose of preoperative design and for assessing the magnitude of deformity. Grafts of bone and cartilage from deviated septum were harvested by septoplasty through which dorsum deviation was corrected. Bone grafts from vomer and ethmoid were then fixed to the prepared alveolar cleft to repair the defect and elevate the alar base. Septal cartilage was adjusted into different shapes of grafts and deformities of nasal tip, nostrils, and columella were then corrected by rhinoplasty to restore the symmetry of the nose. RESULTS: Symmetry of nostrils was improved. The height of alar base on the cleft side was elevated to the level close to the noncleft side. Deviation of the septum, nasal dorsum, and columella was corrected. Projection of the nasal tip was adjusted to facial midline. Midface aesthetics was generally improved. CONCLUSION: Application of septal grafts reduce the number of incisions. One-stage repair of alveolar cleft and nasal deformities, with the aid of digital design, improves the postoperative experience and the general outcome of the surgery.

The relationship between ethmoidal foramina and orbital fat herniation.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study are to determine the incidence and more frequent localizations of orbital fat tissue herniation accompanying dehiscences in the medial orbital wall and to investigate the relationship between orbital fat tissue herniations and the anterior and posterior ethmoidal foramina. METHODS: One thousand two hundred patients who had undergone computed tomography with a preliminary diagnosis of sinusitis and who had no previous facial, orbital, paranasal sinus surgeries or history of trauma were retrospectively analyzed. The localization of the ethmoidal foramina and orbital fat tissue herniations were marked. In patients with orbital fat tissue herniation, the relationship between the localization of orbital fat tissue herniation and the anterior and posterior ethmoidal foramina was investigated. RESULTS: The incidence of orbital adipose tissue herniation in our study was 7.9%. Of the 98 herniations on the bilateral medial orbital wall, 60 were in zone 3, and the most common herniation site was zone 3. A statistically significant difference was noted between the localization zone of the anterior ethmoidal foramen and the localization zones of orbital fat tissue herniations (Fisher's exact test, p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Zone 3 is the weakest area of the medial orbital wall, and zone 3 is the most prone to herniation of fat tissue. The association of orbital fat tissue herniations with the anterior ethmoidal foramen is extremely common. Being cognizant of this finding may help a surgeon better estimate the anatomical view to be met before functional endoscopic sinus surgery as well as to minimize the risk of possible orbital complications, especially anterior ethmoidal artery injury.

[Endoscopic management and outcome of nasosinusitis in non-traumatic dehiscence of the lamina papyracea with orbital content herniation].

Objective:To analyze the CT manifestations, clinical features, and endoscopic management and outcome of nasosinusitis in non-traumatic dehiscence of the lamina papyracea with herniation of orbital contents. Methods:From January 2019 to October 2020, a total of 686 cases with chronic nasosinusitis or nasal septum deviation were admitted to our department, including 448 male cases and 238 female cases. No patient had prior maxillofacial or orbital trauma as well as surgery related to nose and eyes. The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Results:Twelve patients were diagnosed as dehiscence of the lamina papyracea. Preoperative CT revealed that the location of dehiscence was only in the ethmoid sinus. Conclusion:For nasosinusitis patients with non-traumatic dehiscence of the lamina papyracea, all ethmoid cells should be opened during FESS. Precise and skillful operation, good bleeding control and clear visual field were critical. no damage to the herniated periorbital fat during the operation and appropriate cavity packing after the operation are essential, which could avoid the orbital-related complications as well as improve the symptom resolution. No recurrence was found during the follow-up period.

Application of One Piece Autologous Rib Cartilage Graft in Hollow Space of Complete Naso-Ethmoid Orbital Fracture.

BACKGROUND: Complete naso-orbital-ethmoid (NOE) complex fractures including hollow space defects are difficult to treat. A proper bone fragment should be maintained for bony rearrangement and reconstruction; however, no guidelines are available for the treatment of the NOE complex. In patients with empty bone fragment from NOE fractures, implantation of autologous rib grafts may be an option for recreating the orbital rim. METHODS: A 57-year-old man with open complete NOE fracture. Computed tomography (CT) revealed complete loss of bone fragments within the NOE area, including the inferior orbital rim and maxillary wall. A bone was harvested from the right fifth rib. The grafted bone mimicked the inferomedial orbital rim and was stabilized with mid plates. RESULTS: Follow-up CT and three-dimensional (3D) volumetry were performed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. A well-positioned rib graft and orbital wall were observed. In 3D volumetry analysis, we noted that the absorption rate of the rib cartilage was 7.84% at 6 months. The absorption rate of rib cartilage was evaluated using CT images, which were reconstructed with a 3D image reconstruction program (Α-VIEW, Coreline soft, Seoul, Korea). CONCLUSIONS: Complete NOE fractures, especially fractures involving loss of the buttress for plating, may pose a burden to surgeons. In such cases, implantation of an autologous rib cartilage graft is a good option for bony frame reconstruction, without any concerns of bony resorption.

Global avulsion of the globe associated with frontal sinus and naso-orbital-ethmoid (FSNOE) complex fracture. A rare case report and short literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Post-traumatic avulsion of the globe is a rare and uncommon pathology with serious morpho-physiological, cosmetic and aesthetic implications. The association with complex fractures of the skull increases the morbidity and complexity of the case. CASE REPORT: We present a rare case of FSNOE complex fracture associated with avulsion of the left globe, with complete sectioning of the optic nerve and loss of vision. DISSCUSION: The prompt diagnosis and the immediate establishment of a correct multidisciplinary treatment, led to the favorable evolution of the case. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the skull architecture and resizing of the orbital contour, as well as successful prosthesis of the eyeball concured for a satisfactory anatomic and cosmetic result. CONCLUSION: The therapeutic decision to reposition the globe in the case of complete avulsion should be made depending on the severity of associated lesions, the patient's general state, age, and the risk of potential postoperative complications. KEY WORDS: Word, Post-traumatic, Avulsion of the globe, Frontal sinus, Naso-orbito-ethmoid, NOE, Fracture.

Introduction of Digital-Assisted Multidisciplinary Treatment in the Functional and Morphological Reconstruction of Naso-Orbital-Ethmoid Fractures.

ABSTRACT: This study summarizes the process of digital-assisted multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) of naso-orbital-ethmoid (NOE) fractures and evaluates the treatment outcomes. From October 2018 to December 2020, 39 patients with NOE fractures were treated in our department, 21 of whom were diagnosed and treated by a multidisciplinary team. After preoperative multidisciplinary discussions and personalized virtual surgical planning, they received MDT with the assistance of a surgical navigation system. The other 18 patients received traditional single-disciplinary treatment, that is, no preoperative multidisciplinary discussions. Oral and maxil-lofacial surgeons performed surgical design and digitally-assisted surgery alone. After the operation, treatment outcomes were evaluated in terms of aesthetic appearance and function. The duration of preoperative preparation and postoperative aesthetic outcomes were not significantly different in patients who received single-disciplinary treatment and MDT ( P > 0.05). However, postoperative functional outcomes were significantly better in patients who received MDT ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, no significant complications were found. Digital-assisted MDT has a high application value in repair and appearance reconstruction, especially restoring functionality after NOE fracture; thus, it should be promoted in clinical practice.

Trans-superior meatal surgery: A targeted approach for isolated posterior ethmoid diseases.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment for posterior ethmoid diseases has historically been performed through a trans-ethmoid approach which usually required medialization of the middle turbinate, a middle meatal antrostomy and total ethmoidectomy. This can destabilize the basal lamella of the middle turbinate and also sacrifices the integrity of ostiomeatal complex and the healthy bulla if the patient has the disease only in the posterior ethmoid sinus. The aim of this study is to present of a novel minimally disruptive approach for the management of isolated posterior ethmoid diseases. METHODS: Retrospective case series analysis. RESULTS: 19 patients with isolated posterior ethmoid fungal balls were operated on via a trans-superior meatal approach. The most common signs and symptoms were headache (78.9%), and purulent/mucoid discharge from the superior meatus (89.5%). The technique is described in detail with the preservation of the ostiomeatal complex and bulla ethmoidalis. Complete removal of the disease was achieved in all cases through this access, with no intra-operative complications. The posterior ethmoid cavity remained patent postoperatively in all patients. No recurrence was noted during the follow-up period which ranged from 6 to 12 months. CONCLUSION: This is a minimally invasive approach, which is safe and effective for the surgical management of isolated posterior ethmoid diseases.

Patterns of Pneumatization of the Posterior Nasal Roof.

(1) Background: For good surgical performance, sound knowledge of anatomy is required. Although the ethmoid air cells and sphenoid sinuses are subject to a high degree of variation, their possible extensions above the nasal fossa at the posterior end of the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone (CPEB) were seemingly overlooked. (2) Methods: We retrospectively studied 162 case files from 55 male and 107 female cases, with ages varying from 42 to 80, which were scanned using Cone Beam Computed Tomography. (3) Results: In 56.17% of cases, an unpneumatized CPEB (type I) was found. Nasal roof recesses of ethmoidal origin (type II) were found at the posterior end of the CPEB in 20.37% of cases. Different types of sphenoidal pneumatizations of the posterior end of the CPEB (type III) were found in 22.83% of the cases. Onodi cells projected nasal roof recesses (type IV) in only 10 cases. In all types, nasal roof recesses were found either above the CPEB or within/underneath it. Moreover, such nasal roof recesses were found to be either unilateral, extended contralaterally, or bilateral. (4) Conclusions: As such recesses of the posterior CPEB, previously overlooked, belong to the posterior rhinobase, they should be carefully documented preoperatively to avoid unwanted surgical damage to the olfactory bulb or CSF fistula.