Open reduction of zygoma fractures with the extended transconjunctival approach and T-bar screw reduction

Bioresorbable Implants in Reduction of Paediatric Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures Concurrent With Internal Orbital Reconstruction

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of bioresorbable implants for treating paediatric zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures with concomitant orbital floor defects.

METHODS

A retrospective review of paediatric patients who underwent ZMC repair with concomitant orbital floor fractures with bioresorbable implants in Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital from July 2015 to June 2019 was performed. The primary outcome measures included ocular motility, diplopia, enophthalmos, facial deformities, and restricted mouth opening, as well as complication rates. Pre- and post-operative computed tomography scans were obtained for clinical diagnosis and surgical effectiveness.

RESULTS

Twenty two children were included in this study. Facial deformities were corrected in all 22 cases by surgical reconstruction postoperatively, and the average relative distance of Portals point-Zygomaxillare and Anteriornasalspine-Zygomaxillare were 1.3 ± 0.6mm ( P = 0.22) and 1.2 ± 0.5mm ( P = 0.19). The eye movement restored to normal in 13 patients. The mean amount of relative enophthalmos was 1.0 ± 0.4 mm ( P = 0.12). 12 cases had complete resolution of diplopia postoperatively at the extremes of the gaze, and 1 case presented persistent diplopia on the down gaze as before, but from level III to level I. Facial numbness was resolved completely in 6 cases, and 2 cases presented with persistent numbness but relieved significantly. The average Hounsfield units of RapidSorb plates and OrbFloor PI were 154 ± 5 and 99 ± 4 respectively on computed tomography image obtained 1 week postoperatively, which showed no obvious difference compared with 0.5 year postoperatively ( P > 0.1). Hounsfield units of implants gradually declined around 1 year postoperatively. Hounsfield units of RapidSorb plates (20 ± 1) were consistent with periorbital tissue during postoperative 2-year follow-up, and Hounsfield units of OrbFloor PI (19 ± 1) were consistent with periorbital tissue during postoperative 1.5-year follow-up. No patients had severe sequelae or implant related complications postoperatively. None of bone nonunion, malunion, infection or rejection occurred during the follow-up periods.

CONCLUSIONS

Open reduction and internal fixation for the treatment of ZMC fracture have achieved significant improvement in functional and cosmetic outcomes postoperatively. Bioresorbable materials have been proved to be effective and safe in the treatment of children's ZMC and orbital wall fractures.

Blink reflex changes and sensory perception in infraorbital nerve-innervated areas following zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures

Background

Infraorbital nerve dysfunction is commonly reported after zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures. We evaluated sensory changes in four designated areas (eyelid, nose, zygoma, and lip) innervated by the infraorbital nerve. This evaluation was conducted using the static two-point discrimination test and the vibration threshold test. We assessed the diagnostic significance of the blink reflex in patients with infraorbital nerve dysfunction.

Methods

This study included 18 patients, all of whom complained of some degree of infraorbital nerve dysfunction preoperatively. A visual analog scale, the infraorbital blink reflex, static two-point discrimination, and the vibration threshold were assessed preoperatively, at 1 month postoperatively (T1), and at a final follow-up that took place at least 4 months postoperatively (T4). The results were analyzed using a multilevel generalized linear mixed model.

Results

Scores on the visual analog scale significantly improved at T1 and T4. The infraorbital blink reflex significantly improved at T4. Visual analog scale scores improved more rapidly than the infraorbital blink reflex. Two-point discrimination significantly improved in all areas at T4, and the vibration perception threshold significantly improved in the eyelid at T4.

Conclusions

Recovery of the infraorbital blink reflex reflected the recovery of infraorbital nerve dysfunction. We also determined that the lip tended to recover later than the other areas innervated by the infraorbital nerve.

Efficacy of Altered Two-Point Fixation in Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fracture

PURPOSE

To reconstruct a zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fracture, zygomaticofrontal (ZF) suture is the most reliable site to assess anatomical alignment and to secure rigidity. It has been chosen primary site to be fixed, but approach through the lateral eyebrow incision may leave a visible scar. This study suggests altered two-point fixation of ZMC fracture without accessing the ZF suture.

METHODS

In the retrospective study, a total of 40 patients with ZMC fracture were divided into two groups (group 1, two-point fixation and group 2, three-point fixation). Patient demographics and follow-up were evaluated, and degree of reduction including cortical gaps of ZF and inferior orbital (IO) area, protruding difference of zygoma, and malar difference using asymmetry index were measured through preoperative and postoperative CT.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, the means of ZF displacement, IO displacement, protruding difference of zygoma, and facial asymmetry index between the groups were not statistically different. The result was the same after the operation. However, all variables were significantly different before and after surgery within each group. Moreover, mean operation time was significantly different between groups (P value = 0.026).

CONCLUSION

Altered two-point fixation in ZMC fracture excluding incision approaching the ZF provides surgical efficacy and similar surgical outcomes to three-point fixation but offers reduced operation time and fewer complications.

Big Data Statistical Analysis of Facial Fractures in Korea

BACKGROUND

The big data provided by Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA) contains data from nearly all Korean populations enrolled in the National Health Insurance Service. We aimed to identify the incidence of facial fractures and its trends in Korea using this big data from HIRA.

METHODS

We used the Korean Standard Classification of Disease and Cause of Death 6, 7 for diagnosis codes. A total of 582,318 patients were included in the final analysis. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS software and SPSS software.

RESULTS

The incidence of facial fractures consistently declined, from 107,695 cases in 2011 to 87,306 cases in 2016. The incidence of facial fractures was the highest in June 2011 (n = 26,423) and lowest in January 2014 (n = 10,282). Nasal bone fractures were the most common, followed by orbit and frontal sinus fractures. The percentage of nasal bone fractures declined, whereas those of orbital fractures increased from 2011 to 2016 (P < 0.001). Among orbital fractures, inferior wall fractures were the most common, followed by medial wall fractures. Among mandibular fractures, angle fractures were the most common, followed by condylar process and symphysis fractures. Although it was difficult to predict the most common type of zygomatic and maxilla fractures, their incidence consistently declined since 2011.

CONCLUSION

We observed trends in facial fractures in Korea using big data including information for nearly all nations in Korea. Therefore, it is possible to predict the incidence of facial fractures. This study is meaningful in that it is the first study that investigated the incidence of facial fractures by specific type.

A Comparative Analysis of Outcomes After Reduction of Zygomatic Fractures Using the Carroll-Girard T-bar Screw

PURPOSE

Several approaches are available for managing zygomatic fractures; however, each approach has its complications. Use of the Carroll-Girard T-bar screw (CGTS) can reduce complications because it reduces the number of approaches needed for reduction. This study aimed to analyze the efficiency of the CGTS compared with the 3-point approach.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing the computed tomography scans of 204 patients who underwent reduction surgery of Knight and North type 3, 4, or 5 zygomatic fractures from March 2009 to August 2017. Facial asymmetry, operative time, and complications were evaluated to compare 2 groups of patients: those who underwent CGTS and those who did not. Bilateral differences in the distance from the reference plane to the malar eminence in 3 dimensions based on computed tomography scans were used to calculate facial asymmetry.

RESULTS

Among 204 patients, 91 were treated with CGTS whereas 113 patients underwent a 3-point approach. Bilateral differences in the position of the malar eminence and facial asymmetry were not statistically different in both groups. Operative time was not different in both groups. However, when patients with type 4 fracture were independently compared, the mean operative time was significantly shorter for the CGTS group. Wound dehiscence occurred in 11 patients (9.7%) in the 3-point approach group, compared with none in the CGTS group. None of the patients in the CGTS group complained of postoperative cheek scars over their incision sites.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that CGTS is a useful and feasible instrument that can reduce the number of approaches for zygomatic bone reduction and help clinicians achieve satisfactory outcomes.