Imaging of Maxillofacial Injuries.

This article reviews the system of facial buttresses and discusses the role of diagnostic imaging in the evaluation of the patient with maxillofacial trauma.

Craniomaxillofacial Trauma: The Past, Present and the Future.

Reconstruction of facial trauma has seen a significant evolutionary leap in the last 100 years. The current surgical management of facial fractures was made possible by the efforts and creativity of pioneer surgeons, advances in anatomic understanding, and the continued development of biomaterials and imaging technologies. Virtual surgical planning (VSP) and 3-dimensional printing (3DP) are being incorporated into the management of acute facial trauma. The integration of this technology at the point of care is rapidly expanding globally. This article reviews the history of the management of craniomaxillofacial trauma, current practices, and future directions. The use of VSP and 3DP in facial trauma care is highlighted with a description of EPPOCRATIS, a rapid point-of-care process incorporating VSP and 3DP at the trauma center.

Imaging of Maxillofacial Trauma.

Maxillofacial trauma is common. Computed tomography is the primary imaging tool for diagnosis. Study interpretation is aided by understanding regional anatomy and clinically relevant features of each subunit. Common injury patterns and the most important factors related to surgical management are discussed.

A digital workflow to predict facial aesthetics in patients with maxillofacial trauma with implant retained prostheses.

Purpose To introduce a digital workflow for the prediction of facial aesthetics, especially in patients with dentation deformity caused by maxillofacial trauma.Methods Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and three-dimensional facial scans of patients with radiographic prostheses were collected. The aforementioned data were uploaded to ProPlan CMF software and merged to generate a virtual patient with craniofacial hard tissue, realistic facial soft tissue, and remaining dentition. The radiographic prostheses were scanned to form a digital cast, which was fitted with its CBCT image to create the virtual prostheses. Postoperative facial soft tissue was simulated according to the movement of the virtual prostheses. An appropriate virtual diagnostic prosthesis plan was selected by the patient and dentist. Subsequently, prosthetically driven implant guide and restoration were designed and fabricated.Conclusions A virtual patient was successfully constructed. A 4-mm protrusion of the virtual prosthesis was chosen. Subsequently, implant surgery was performed, and dental prostheses were fabricated based on this location. The fusion of the postoperative facial scan and preoperative facial prediction was found to be coincident. This technique can effectively predict facial aesthetic features of patients with maxillofacial trauma, facilitate communication with patients, reduce chairside time, and guide the multidisciplinary design of implant placement and restoration fabrication.

La fístula carótido-cavernosa como complicación tardía del traumatismo maxilofacial y de base de cráneo / Carotid-cavernous fistula as a late complication of maxillofacial and skull base trauma

La fístula carótido-cavernosa (FCC) es una complicación rara de las fracturas craneofaciales. En la mayoría de los casos la FCC ocurre en las semanas posteriores al traumatismo1. Presentamos un caso clínico de FCC 4 meses tras reducción y osteosíntesis de fractura bilateral de tercio medio facial. Basándonos en nuestra experiencia y la bibliografía, recomendamos un periodo de 6 a 12 meses de seguimiento en pacientes con traumatismos de tercio medio de cráneo, así como la inclusión de signos de alarma de FCC en la hoja de recomendaciones de pacientes con traumatismos craneofaciales. Aunque la FCC no pone en peligro la vida del paciente, el retraso de su diagnóstico puede resultar en la pérdida de visión permanente del ojo afecto en días o semanas desde el comienzo de los síntomas, por lo que es de gran importancia su diagnóstico precoz. (AU)

Carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) is a rare complication of craniofacial fractures. In most of the cases it occurs within a few weeks after the traumatism1. We present a late CCF clinical case 4 months after reduction and osteosynthesis of a mid-third facial bilateral fracture. Based on our experience and the literature, we recommend a follow up period of 6 to 12 months in mid third cranial fractures as well as the introduction of alarm symptoms in the patient’s information brochure. Although CCF isn´t life threatening, a late diagnosis can result in a permanent loss of vision of the affected eye within days or months since the beginning of the symptoms. This is why it is important to make an early diagnosis of this complication. (AU)

Manejo de las fracturas maxilofaciales y sus complicaciones / Management of maxillofacial fractures and its complications

RESUMEN Antecedentes: el trauma maxilofacial corresponde a toda lesión traumática del macizo facial. Actualmente representa uno de los problemas de salud más importantes en el mundo. Nuestro objetivo es realizar un análisis de nuestra experiencia en las intervenciones realizadas en pacientes internados y sus complicaciones. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y observacional de 205 pacientes con fracturas maxilofaciales desde el año 2011 hasta el año 2019. Resultados: el 81,46% fueron hombres (n: 167) y el rango etario más afectado osciló entre los 21 y 30 años con el 38,54% (n:79). El accidente de tránsito 56,1% (n:115) fue el mecanismo de trauma más frecuente. Los tipos de fracturas faciales fueron: panfaciales 12,2% (n: 25), tercio superior 1,46% (n:3), tercio medio 72,2% (n:148) y tercio inferior 14,15% (n:29). Dentro del tercio superior, el 66,67% (n:2) fueron fracturas del seno frontal asociadas al hueso frontal, en el tercio medio las combinadas en un 54,73% (n:81) y en el tercio inferior, las complejas en el 34,48% (n:10). Fueron intervenidos 199 pacientes (97,07%). Solo el 11,56% (n:23) presentó alguna complicación. No se observaron complicaciones graves. Discusión: según nuestra serie, la mayoría de los pacientes fueron hombres jóvenes; la causa más frecuente, el accidente de tránsito, y el tercio medio, el más afectado, resultados estos similares a los de otros estudios publicados. El tratamiento quirúrgico fue principalmente reducción abierta y fijación con material de osteosíntesis de titanio, un procedimiento seguro y fiable, que permite restablecer la funcionalidad previa al traumatismo, con un índice muy bajo de complicaciones posoperatorias.

ABSTRACT Background: Maxillofacial trauma corresponds to all traumatic injuries affecting the facial bones. Nowadays, it represents one of the main healthcare issues worldwide. The aim of this study is to analyze our experience in the interventions performed in hospitalized and their complications. Material and methods: We performed a retrospective and observational study of 205 patients with maxillofacial fractures from 2011 to 2019. Results: 81.46% were men (n = 167) and 38.54% (n = 79) of the patients were between 21 and 30 years of age. Traffic collision was the most common mechanism of trauma (56,1%, n = 115). The types of facial fractures were panfacial (12.2%; n = 25), of the upper-third (1.43%; n = 3), of the middle-third (72.2%; n = 148) and of the lower third (14.15%; n = 29). In the upper third of the face frontal sinus fractures associated with the frontal bone were the most common (66.67%; n =2); in the middle-third combined fractures were most prevalent (54.73%; n = 81) while complex fractures were most frequent in the lower third (34,48%; n = 10). One-hundred and ninety-one patients were operated on (97.07%). Complications occurred in only 11.56% (n = 23) and were not serious. Discusion: In our series, most patients were young men, traffic collisions were the most common cause of trauma, and the middle third of the face was the most affected region. These results are similar to our publications. Surgical management, mostly by open reduction and fixation with titanium-based osteosynthesis material, is an effective, safe and reliable procedure, which allows the restoration of pre-trauma function, with very low rate of postoperative complications.

[Epidemiological and tomodensitometric aspects of post-traumatic maxillofacial fractures in Mopti, Mali]. / Profil épidémiologique et tomodensitométrique des fractures maxillo-faciales post-traumatiques à Mopti au Mali.

Introduction: facial injuries are a public health problem, both physically and psychologically, characterized by a variety of injuries and sometimes by severe esthetic or functional sequelae. The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiological and tomodensitometric aspects of maxillofacial fractures in Mopti. Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional and descriptive study in the Department of Radiology of the Mopti Hospital from January 2019 to December 2019. All patients who had undergone maxillofacial CT scan for a trauma with fracture confirmed by CT scan during this period were included. The variables analyzed were age, sex, etiology and the types of fractures observed on CT scan. Data recording and analysis were carried out using SPSS version 20 and Excel 2013. Results: of a total of 120 patients, the mean age was 26.43 years with a standard deviation of 14.547. Men predominated (75%; n= 90). Road accidents were the leading cause of fractures (50%; n = 60). Occlusofacial fractures accounted for 38.33% (n= 46). Lefort II was the most common fracture (22.50%; n= 27). Conclusion: this study allowed us to identify the population groups most affected by maxillofacial fractures in the Mopti region: adolescents and young adults. Tomodensitometric results were dominated by occlusofacial fractures, in particular Lefort type II fractures.

Revisión sistemática de exactitud diagnóstica de la ultrasonografía en el trauma maxilofacial / A systematic review of ultrasound diagnostic accuracy in maxillofacial trauma

Esta revisión sistemática evaluó el rendimiento de la ultrasonografía (US) en el trauma maxilofacial. Dos investigadores independientes realizaron una búsqueda sistemática de artículos sobre US que evaluaron el diagnóstico de fracturas y/o traumatismos maxilofaciales. Se encontraron doce artículos entre los años 2010 y 2022. Cuatro artículos revisaron fracturas de los huesos nasales, cinco artículos fracturas del complejo cigomático, dos artículos fracturas orbitarias, tres artículos fracturas mandibulares y un artículo el hematoma retrobulbar, considerando que un artículo puede revisar más de un tipo de fractura. Todos los estudios fueron de cohortes retrospectivas o prospectivas. Los valores de sensibilidad y especificidad, informados en rangos de mayor y menor sensibilidad y especificidad en todos los estudios incluidos fueron, respectivamente, del 88-100 % y 88-100 % para las fracturas de los huesos nasales, del 88-100 % y 87-100 % para el arco cigomático, del 88-100 % y 100 % para el reborde infraorbitario, del 87 % y 100 % para el piso de la órbita, del 80-100 % y 100 % para la mandíbula y del 95,7 % y 99,7 % para el hematoma retrobulbar. Con cierto riesgo de sesgo en su aplicabilidad según la herramienta QUADAS-2, la US tiene un buen rendimiento en el diagnóstico de las fracturas faciales. Aunque la US no reemplaza a la TC, es útil en el punto de atención para optimizar las decisiones clínicas, siendo especialmente de ayuda en el trauma facial, el trauma nasal aislado y en grupos radiosensibles como niños y mujeres embarazadas. (AU)

This systematic review assessed the performance of ultrasonography (US) in maxillofacial trauma. A systematic search was performed by two independent researchers for articles on US for diagnosing maxillofacial fractures and/or trauma. Twelve articles were found between 2010 and 2022. Four articles reviewed nasal bone fractures, five articles zygomatic complex fractures, two articles orbital fractures, three articles mandibular fractures, and one article retrobulbar hematoma, considering that an article can review more than one type of fracture. All studies were retrospective or prospective cohorts. Sensitivity and specificity values, reported in ranges of highest and lowest sensitivity and specificity in all included studies, respectively, were 88-100 % and 88-100 % for nasal bone fractures, 88-100 % and 87-100 % for zygomatic arch, 88-100 % and 100 % for the infraorbital rim, 87 % and 100 % for the orbital floor, 80-100 % and 100 % for the mandible, and 95.7 % and 99.7 % for retrobulbar hematoma. With a certain risk of bias in its applicability according to the QUADAS-2 tool, US has a good performance in the diagnosis of facial fractures. Although US does not replace CT, it is useful at the point of care to optimize clinical decisions, being especially helpful in facial trauma, isolated nasal trauma, and in radiosensitive groups such as children and pregnant women. (AU)

Correlation Between Sports-Related Maxillofacial Injuries and Head Injuries: A Five-Year Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: As sports have become more diverse and demanding, the number of patients with a maxillofacial injury accompanied by a cranial injury or neurological symptoms has increased. This study examined the correlation between sports-related maxillofacial injuries and head injuries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Among the patients who visited the emergency department of Pusan National University Dental Hospital due to a maxillofacial injury from sporting activities between 2014 and 2018, those who additionally had head injuries were retrospectively examined. Sporting activities were classified according to the American Academy of Pediatrics classification, and severity of injuries was determined using the Facial Injury Severity Scale (FISS). Patients whose medical records showed neurological symptoms and who underwent brain computed tomography for concomitant head injury were selected. The association between each of these variables, including age and gender, was statistically analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 95 patients were included in this study, most of whom were male teenagers, and cycling was the most common cause of injuries. The meanFISS score was 0.79. Brain computed tomography was conducted for 91 patients, and 28 patients reported neurological symptoms. Only 11 patients underwent advanced evaluation in the neurology or neurosurgery department. Most patients were diagnosed with contusion and concussion and were monitored without any treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Higher FISS values did not reflect the severity of maxillofacial and head injury. In this study, there were some patients with cranial fracture and cerebral hemorrhage with mild neurosurgical symptoms of facial trauma. Although the incidence of head trauma is not high, the necessity of wearing protective equipment cannot be overemphasized because severe trauma is permanent. Neurological signs and symptoms of patients with maxillofacial trauma should not be overlooked and require a thorough evaluation.

A prospective computed tomography study of maxillofacial injuries in patients with head injury.

BACKGROUND: Road traffic accidents (RTA) are one of the foremost causes of head injuries and its prevalence is more in developing countries owing to its unorganised road utilisation system. Maxillofacial injuries occur in 5-33% of all trauma cases universally and are commonly associated with head injury (HI). AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this prospective study is to determine the incidence and pattern of facial fractures in head injury patients and to evaluate the relationship between them. Does the midface acts as a cushion to the brain when subjected to trauma? MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hospital records of 500 consecutive patients admitted with head injury in a Tertiary Health Care Centre (National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences) in Bangalore between March and June 2015 were included in the study. RESULTS: Out of the total of 500 patients, the overall incidence of maxillofacial fractures among head injury patients was found to be 8.6%. Out of the 43 cases of maxillofacial involvement, the most commonly fractured facial bone was the maxilla (5.4%). All the cases of maxillofacial fractures due to RTA involved two-wheel vehicles and none of those cases had helmet protection at the time of the incident. 4.4% of study participants had sustained maxillofacial injuries while under the influence of alcohol. CONCLUSION: In our study of head injury patients, the most common aetiology of maxillofacial fractures was found to be RTA with drivers being most affected. Alcohol intoxication and lack of helmet protection played a significant role in causing maxillofacial fractures. We concluded that maxillofacial fractures are closely related to head injury especially in cases of RTA.

Advanced Three-Dimensional Technologies in Craniofacial Reconstruction.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Describe the evolution of three-dimensional computer-aided reconstruction and its current applications in craniofacial surgery. 2. Recapitulate virtual surgical planning, or computer-assisted surgical simulation, workflow in craniofacial surgery. 3. Summarize the principles of computer-aided design techniques, such as mirror-imaging and postoperative verification of results. 4. Report the capabilities of computer-aided manufacturing, such as rapid prototyping of three-dimensional models and patient-specific custom implants. 5. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using three-dimensional technology in craniofacial surgery. 6. Critique evidence on advanced three-dimensional technology in craniofacial surgery and identify opportunities for future investigation. SUMMARY: Increasingly used in craniofacial surgery, virtual surgical planning is applied to analyze and simulate surgical interventions. Computer-aided design and manufacturing generates models, cutting guides, and custom implants for use in craniofacial surgery. Three-dimensional computer-aided reconstruction may improve results, increase safety, enhance efficiency, augment surgical education, and aid surgeons' ability to execute complex craniofacial operations. Subtopics include image analysis, surgical planning, virtual simulation, custom guides, model or implant generation, and verification of results. Clinical settings for the use of modern three-dimensional technologies include acquired and congenital conditions in both the acute and the elective settings. The aim of these techniques is to achieve superior functional and aesthetic outcomes compared to conventional surgery. Surgeons should understand this evolving technology, its indications, limitations, and future direction to use it optimally for patient care. This article summarizes advanced three-dimensional techniques in craniofacial surgery with cases highlighting clinical concepts.

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 impact of delayed surgical intervention following high velocity maxillofacial injuries.

Our study compares the number of postoperative complications of Syrian patients admitted to the Galilee Medical Center (GMC) over a 5-year period (May 2013-May 2018) for treatment after initial high-velocity maxillofacial injuries sustained during the Syrian civil war. Specifically, we evaluated complication rates of patients arriving "early," within 24 h, to the GMC versus those who arrived "late," or 14-28 days following high-velocity maxillofacial injuries. Both groups of patients received definitive surgical treatment within 48 h of admission to our hospital with a total of 60 patients included in this study. The mean age was 26 ± 8 years (range: 9-50) and all except one were male. Postoperative complications in the early group were found to be significantly higher compared to the delayed arrival group (p = 0.006). We found that unintentionally delayed treatment may have contributed to a critical revascularization period resulting in improved healing and decreased postoperative morbidity and complications. We discuss potential mechanisms for complication rate variations, including critical vascularization periods. Our study may add to a growing body of work demonstrating the potential benefit of delayed surgical treatment for high-velocity maxillofacial injuries.

Does Intraoperative Computed Tomography Scanning in Maxillofacial Trauma Surgery Affect the Revision Rate?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine how intraoperative computed tomography affects the intraoperative revision rate and consequently the post-operative, secondary corrective surgery in maxillofacial trauma surgeries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study composed of patients with facial fractures was conducted in Prince Sultan Military Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The predictor variables were age, gender, site of facial fracture, type of treatment, number of scans per patient, and discharge time. The primary outcome variable was immediate intraoperative revision rate. Secondary outcome variable was total scanning time (recorded from the moment surgery was halted until it was resumed after image acquisition). Descriptive statistics were used; numerical data presented as mean ± SD and categorical variables as frequency (%). RESULTS: A total of 22 patients underwent 25 intraoperative scans while undergoing different maxillofacial surgeries. Eleven (50%) required intraoperative revisions after the scans, and 3 (13.6%) cases had another intraoperative scan after revision. Eighteen were men and 4 were women. The mean age was 30 years and age range was 19 to 76. Cases were categorized by fracture location and treatment preformed. The mean scanning time was 18.9 ± 4.6 minutes. The highest rate of revisions was seen in zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures (63.6%), they were also the only cases that required a second intraoperative scan after revision to confirm final reduction. No complications were seen postoperatively, and all patients recovered uneventfully. None of the patients required a secondary corrective surgery. All patients were discharged on the following day, except 1 case which was admitted under another service. CONCLUSIONS: The use of intraoperative computed tomography imaging in treating maxillofacial fractures results in a higher rate of intraoperative revisions, which in turn leads to more accurate fracture reduction and consequently reduces the possibility of a postoperative, secondary corrective surgery.

Managing Craniomaxillofacial Injury Without Inpatient Consult: Outcomes and Patient Cost Savings.

BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that trauma surgeons can safely selectively manage traumatic craniomaxillofacial injuries (CMF) without specialist consult, thereby decreasing the overall cost burden to patients. METHODS: A 4-year retrospective analysis of all CMF fractures diagnosed on facial CT scans. CMF consultation was compared with no-CMF consultation. Demographics, injury severity, and specialty consultation charges were recorded. Penetrating injuries, skull fractures, or patients completing inpatient craniofacial surgery were excluded. RESULTS: 303 patients were studied (124 CMF consultation vs 179 no-CMF consultation), mean age was 47.8 years, with 70% males. Mean Glasgow Coma Scale and Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 14 ± 3.4 and 10 ± 9, respectively. Patients with CMF consults had higher ISS (P < .001) and needed surgery on admission (P < .001), while no-CMF consults had shorter length of stay (P < .002). No in-hospital mortality or 30-day readmission rates were related to no-CMF consult. Total patient charges saved with no-CMF consultation was $26 539.96. DISCUSSION: Trauma surgeons can selectively manage acute CMF injuries without inpatient specialist consultation. Additional guidelines can be established to avoid tertiary transfers for specialty consultation and decrease patient charges.

Craniofacial Injuries Seen Among Electric-Motorized Bicycle Riders.

The popularity of electric-motorized bicycles (E-bikes) has increased dramatically over the past few years. As a result, E-bike--associated injuries are quickly becoming a substantial issue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the epidemiology and general nature of these injuries, with special attention to craniofacial trauma. This was a retrospective study of 84 E-bike riders who suffered from trauma and treated at our level 1 trauma center between the years 2014 and 2018. The information consisted of demographics, characteristics of injury, Injury Severity Score, and number of hospitalization days.Regarding craniofacial trauma, the mean age was 22.7 years. Data about helmet usage was missing. The most common cause of injuries in maxillofacial region, was falling (80%). The most prevalent injury in the maxillofacial region was fractures of the zygomatic complex with the orbit (33%) and soft tissue lacerations.There is little data regarding craniofacial trauma attributed to electric-motorized bicycle accidents. In Israel there are a lot of young adults and teenagers that use E-bikes as an economical solution for mobility. Education regarding road behavior and the proper use of protective measures such as wearing a helmet can reduce significantly overall injuries and cranio-facial trauma in particular.

An Exploration of Multidisciplinary Team Care With Digital Technology for Complicated Cranio-Maxillofacial Bone Defects and Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: Early treatment of fractures of the cranio-maxillofacial complex (CMFC) is challenging and likely to result in craniofacial deformity. Multidisciplinary team (MDT) care has developed very rapidly and has recently been accepted in cancer treatment. Therefore, the authors explored the application of MDT care with digital technology in CMFC fractures. STUDY DESIGN: A 29-year-old man presented for treatment of CMFC fractures and bone defects. An MDT of oral surgeons, ophthalmic surgeons, neurological surgeons, and other experts was convened. After CT scan and three-dimensional reconstruction, the authors performed personalized surgery that included 9 specialists over an 8-hour period. RESULTS: The operation was successful and all fractures achieved clinical stability. At 1-month follow-up, appropriate appearance and functional recovery had been achieved. CONCLUSION: In this study, MDT care with digital technology was very effective and had low associated costs. The involvement of more disciplines in MDT care may result in fewer complications.

Involvement of orbit in maxillofacial fractures: "Evaluation of its spectrum, characteristics, and treatment in 200 patients"-Prospective study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the orbital involvement epidemiology in facial fractures, the clinical distribution and effects of orbital involvement in these patients, the frequency and nature of treatment procedures performed for these involvements, and the immediate- and intermediate-term effects of these treatment procedures. METHODS: Two hundred patients with hard tissue maxillofacial injuries were included in this study. Clinical examination was performed in-depth. Images were taken to determine and confirm clinical observations and to finalize treatment modality. Orbital involvement in patients was noted as present or absent. The clinical effects and features in postoperative imaging studies were noted until 3 months after trauma in each patient. RESULTS: Out of 200 patients, about one-third patients (58;29%) had orbital involvement and out of which 49 were males. Regarding clinical-radiological signs in orbit involved fractures, the incidences were variable, that is, periorbital ecchymosis (77.6%), periorbital edema (74.1%), subconjunctival hemorrhage (67.2%), palpable step/crepitus in orbital rim (62.1%), infraorbital nerve paresthesia (46.6%), restricted globe movement (5.2%), orbital rim discontinuity/step (72.4%), maxillary sinuses (51.7%), orbital wall/floor/roof rupture (55.2%), and infraorbital foramen involvement (36.2%). Palpable step/crepitus in orbital rim was recovered remarkably earlier in patients of open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) group, and features of restricted globe movements, orbital rim discontinuity/step, orbital wall/floor/roof rupture, and infraorbital foramen involvement in patients were recovered immediately after open reduction and internal fixation treatment. CONCLUSION: Early repair of the maxillofacial injuries with orbital involvement has better functional and esthetic outcome.

Maxillofacial Injuries in Brazilian Children and Adolescents Victims of Physical Violence: A Single Forensic Center Analysis

Abstract Objective: To identify the prevalence of maxillofacial injuries resulting from interpersonal violence in Brazilian children and adolescents. Material and Methods: This is a retrospective study conducted at a Center of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Dentistry with a sample of 335 medical reports of victims aged up to 19 years. Variables involved sex and age group, perpetrator, occurrence of the event, characterization of injuries, presence of maxillofacial injuries, type of tissue involvement, and injuries in the oral cavity. Data were analyzed using descriptive, and the Chi-square was used for categorical data. Results: Most victims were female (60.3%) and aged 15-19 years (57.6%). Aggressions occurred at home (50.6%), in the evening (39.5%) and involved perpetrators known to the victim (91.5%). Most victims had multiple injuries (75.8%), involving up to three regions of the body (93.4%). Injuries with blunt objects were the most frequent (86.2%). The prevalence of maxillofacial injuries was 36.7%, with low involvement of the oral cavity (8.4%). A significant association between the presence of injuries on the face and variables "perpetrator" (p=0.015) and "number of injuries" (p=0.006) was observed. Conclusion: Female adolescents were the main victims of physical violence, with repercussions in different regions of the body. The prevalence of maxillofacial injuries was high, although with little involvement of oral cavity structures.

The panoramic dental radiograph for emergency physicians.

Dental emergencies are common reasons for presenting to hospital emergency departments. Here, we discuss the panoramic radiograph (orthopantomogram (OPG, OPT) as a diagnostic tool for the assessment of mandibular trauma and odontogenic infections. In this article, we review the radiographic principles of image acquisition, and how to conduct a systematic interpretation of represented maxillofacial anatomy. The aim is to equip the emergency physician with the skills to use the OPG radiograph when available, and to rapidly assess the image to expedite patient management. Included is a discussion of a number of cases seen in the emergency setting and some common errors in diagnosis.