• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.111-118
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• 2022

Background: Although the zygomatic arch is an important structure determining facial prominence and width, no consensus exists regarding the classification of isolated zygomatic arch fractures, and the literature on this topic is scarce. To date, five papers have subdivided zygomatic arch fractures; however, only one of those proposed classifications includes the injury vector, although the injury vector is one of the most important factors to consider in fracture cases. Furthermore, the only classification that does include the injury vector is too complicated to be suitable for daily practice. In addition, the existing classifications are clinically limited because they do not consider greenstick fractures, nondisplaced fractures, or coronoid impingement. In the present study, we present a rearrangement of the previously published classifications and propose a modified classification of isolated zygomatic arch fractures that maximizes the advantages and overcomes the disadvantages of previous classification systems. Methods: The classification criteria for isolated zygomatic arch fractures described in five previous studies were analyzed, rearranged, and supplemented to generate a modified classification. The medical records, radiographs, and facial bone computed tomography findings of 134 patients with isolated zygomatic arch fractures who visited our hospital between January 2010 and December 2019 were also retrospectively analyzed. Results: We analyzed major classification criteria (displacement, the force vector of the injury, V-shaped fracture, and coronoid impingement) for isolated zygomatic arch fracture from the five previous studies and developed a modified classification by subdividing zygomatic arch fractures. We applied the modified classification to cases of isolated zygomatic arch fracture at our hospital. The surgery rate and injury severity differed significantly from fracture types I to VI. Conclusion: Using our modified classification, we could determine that both the injury force and the injury vector meaningfully influenced the surgery rate and the severity of the injuries.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.264-268
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• 2017

The zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) functions as a buttress for the face and is the cornerstone to a person's aesthetic appearance, by both setting the midfacial width and providing prominence to the cheek. Malar deficiency is often acquired by blunt injury incurred in a traumatic accident, resulting in ZMC fracture. A 48-year-old male patient presented a right ZMC fracture after contusion injury by a baseball. He only received conservative management and later he suffered discomfort during mouth opening at the moment of mastication, due to trismus involving the temporomandibular joint. In the current case, we describe a surgical technique, by which the malar body is shifted anteriorly and laterally after combined oblique-vertical osteotomy. The technique presented, eventually restored the former aesthetic position of the malar complex and symmetry, and, moreover, improved mastication function.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.147-150
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• 2015

Impalement injury is the subset of penetrating trauma, defined as fixed, elongated objects penetrate and remain in the human body cavity or region by relatively low velocity. We report an unusual case of facial and neck impalement where two dirty rusted iron bars penetrated forehead bilaterally and exited neck and ear respectively without causing major organ injuries. After thorough radiologic and physical evaluation, the patient got medical and surgical treatment. The patient was discharged without complication after four day of delayed wound closure. There have been no complications and sequelaes related with trauma, wound infection and scar contracture at 3-year follow-up. According to affected organs and pattern of impalement, individualized and multidisciplinary surgical approach should be considered. Following these guidelines as in this case, it was possible to achieve excellent clinical outcome in impalement injury.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.157-161
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• 2018

A sialocele is a subcutaneous cavity containing saliva, most often caused by facial trauma or iatrogenic complications. In subcondylar fractures, most surgeons are conscious of facial nerve injury; however, they usually pay little attention to the parotid duct injury. We report the case of a 41-year-old man with a sialocele, approximately $5{\times}3cm$ in size, which developed 1 week after subcondylar fracture reduction. The sialocele became progressively enlarged despite conservative management. Computed tomography showed a thin-walled cyst between the body and tail of the parotid gland. Fluid leakage outside the cyst was noted where the skin was thin. Sialography showed a cutting edge of the inferior interlobular major duct before forming the common major duct that seemed to be injured during the subcondylar fracture reduction process. We decided on prompt surgical treatment, and the sialocele was completely excised. A duct from the parotid tail, secreting salivary secretion into the cyst, was ligated. Botulinum toxin was administrated to block the salivary secretion and preventing recurrence. Treatment was successful. In addition, we found that parotid major ducts are enveloped by the deep lobe and extensive dissection during the subcondylar fracture reduction may cause parotid major duct injury.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.91-96
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• 2009

Purpose: Frontal sinus fractures are relatively less common than other facial bone fractures. They are commonly concomitant with other facial bone fractures. They can cause severe complications but the optimal treatment of frontal sinus fractures remains controversial. Currently, many principles of treatment were introduced variously. The authors present valid and simplified protocols of treatment for frontal sinus fractures based on fracture pattern, nasofrontal duct injury, and complications. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on 36 cases of frontal sinus fractures between January, 2004 and January, 2009. The average age of patients was 33.7 years. Fracture patterns were classified by displacement of anterior and posterior wall, comminution, nasofrontal duct injury. These fractures were classified in 4 groups: I. anterior wall linear fractures; II. anterior wall displaced fractures; III. anterior wall displaced and posterior wall linear fractures; IV. anterior wall and posterior wall displaced fractures. Also, assessment of nasofrontal duct injury was conducted with preoperative coronal section computed tomographic scan and intraoperative findings. Patients were treated with various procedures including open reduction and internal fixation, obliteration, galeal frontalis flap and cranialization. Results: 12 patients are group I (33.3 percent), 14 patient were group II (38.8 percent), group III, IV were 5 each (13.9 percent). Frontal sinus fractures were commonly associated with zygomatic fractures (21.8 percent). 9 patients had nasofrontal duct injury. The complication rate was 25 percent (9 patients), including hypoesthesia, slight forehead irregularity, transient cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Conclusion: The critical element of successful frontal sinus fracture repair is precise diagnosis of the fracture pattern and nasofrontal duct injury. The main goal of management is the restoration of the sinus function and aesthetic preservation.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.131-134
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• 2009

Purpose: Mandible fractures are common in maxillofacial trauma and the incidence of condylar fracture is high. The management of mandibular condylar fracture continues to be controversial. Conservative treatment of it may lead to complications such as asymmetry, malocclusion, temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Moreover, open reduction can cause facial nerve injury, parotid gland injury, scarring and hematoma formation. We present a case of mandibular condylar fracture that was treated by manual reduction without incision under C-arm fluoroscopy. Methods: A 76-year-old female was admitted due to left side mandibular condylar fracture that required surgical intervention. Because of her age, history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, she underwent closed manual reduction under general anesthesia. We adopted C-arm fluoroscopy as a method of identifying the fracture site and a evaluation of reduction state. C-arm fluoroscopy was set up like modified Towne's view. Results: The reduction was successful and didn't result in any complications that could occur in open reduction-facial nerve injury, infection, parotid gland injury, hematoma, avascular necrosis. The mandibular-maxillary fixations were removed after 4 weeks and patients were could open 3.5 cm after 6 weeks with physical therapy. Conclusion: We tried closed manual reduction of mandibular condylar fracture due to high risk of complication using C-arm fluoroscopy and did achieve anatomic reduction with avoiding open incision. This is simple, effective, reversible, time saving and fairly attemptable method in condylar fracture cases before open reduction.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.177-182
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• 2021

Background: Although prompt surgery after an orbital fracture is preferable, the actual timing of surgery in real-world settings varies. Therefore, this study investigated the outcomes of implant surgery for inferior orbital wall fractures by comparing three groups according to the time interval between the injury and surgery. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients' medical charts and initial computed tomography images from 2009 to 2020. The time to treatment was chosen by patients or their guardians based on the patients' comorbidities and the physician's explanation. The patients were divided into three groups according to the time of surgery (group 1: 3-7 days, group 2: 8-14 days, group 3: 15 or more days). Data were collected on age, the time interval until surgery, the dimensions of the defect, the operation time, the follow-up period, and the postoperative paresthesia score (ranging from 0 to 10). The outcomes were evaluated using a 4-point scale: 4=good (no complications), 3=fair (no subjective symptoms), 2=poor (remaining paresthesia), and 1=very poor (strabismus and/or enophthalmos). Results: The study included 85 patients with unilateral fractures who underwent surgery from 3 to 93 days after injury. The overall score distribution of the surgical outcomes was as follows: good=63, fair=7, poor=6, and very poor=9. The three groups showed no significant differences in the transverse dimension of the injury (p=0.110) or the anteroposterior dimension (p=0.144). In groups 1, 2, and 3, the postoperative outcome scores were 3.84±0.37, 3.63±0.87, and 2.93±1.33 (p=0.083), and the percentage of patients with good outcomes was 84%, 81.25%, and 57.14%, respectively. Conclusion: Performing surgery using an artificial implant within 2 weeks of the injury showed better outcomes and fewer postoperative complications than when treatment was delayed.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.163-170
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• 2022

Background: Personal mobility devices (PMDs) have become an increasingly popular transport modality globally. With increasing social interest in and demand for PMDs, the number of individuals visiting emergency departments with PMD-related injuries has also increased annually. This study aimed to evaluate injury patterns and treatment costs for patients treated in the department of plastic surgery in a trauma center. Methods: In this retrospective study, data concerning patients with PMD-related injuries from January 2017 to December 2021 were reviewed. The data retrieved included age, sex, alcohol consumption, helmet use, the type of impact, onset of injury, place of first visit, type of injury, admission status, operation status, and treatment cost. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the effects of various factors on cost. Results: Data were collected from 93 patients. Until 2019, the annual number of PMD-related accidents was less than 10; however, this number increased sharply in 2020. The average cost of hospitalization was USD 7,698 whereas the average cost of non-hospitalization was USD 631. Only fractures had a significant association with total cost in linear regression analysis (p< 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of PMD use and related injuries requiring plastic surgery during the study period showed significant health and financial costs both to the patients involved and to society. This cost could be reduced through stricter regulations concerning PMD use, advocating the use of protective gear, and promoting greater awareness of safety measures and of the consequences of PMD-related accidents.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.28-30
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• 2016

Major maxillofacial bone injury itself can be life threatening from both cardiovascular point of view, as well as airway obstruction. Significant hemorrhage from facial fracture is an uncommon occurrence, and there is little in the literature to guide the management of these patients. We report a 73-year-old male driver who was transported to our hospital after a motor vehicle collision. The patient was hypotensive and tachycardic at presentation and required active fluid resuscitation and transfusion. The patient was intubated to protect the airway. All external attempts to control the bleeding, from packing to fracture reduction, were unsuccessful. Emergency angiogram revealed the bleeding to originate from terminal branches of the sphenopalatine artery, which were embolized. This was associated with cessation of bleeding and stabilization of vital signs. Despite the age and severity of injury, the patient recovered well and was discharged home at 3 months with full employment. In facial trauma patients with intractable bleeding, transcatheter arterial embolization should be considered early in the course of management to decrease mortality rate.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.428-430
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• 2014

Isolated traumatic pseudoaneurysms of the basilar artery are extremely rare but often fatal resulting in a mortality rate as high as 50%. A 51-year-old man presented with craniofacial injury after blunt trauma. A brain computed tomography (CT) scan showed thick basal subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with multiple craniofacial fractures, while CT angiography revealed contrast extravasation at the distal basilar artery with pseudoaneurysm formation. After this primary survey, the condition of the patient suddenly deteriorated. Conventional angiography confirmed the contrast extravasation resulted from pseudoaneurysm formation, which was successfully treated with endovascular coil embolization. Decompressive craniectomy and coma therapy with propofol were also performed. However, the patient died on the 7th hospital day because of the poor initial clinical condition. The current case is the first report of acute pseudoaneurysm rupture arising from the basilar artery within the first day after trauma. Our findings suggest the possibility that pseudoaneurysm rupture should be considered if brain CT shows thick traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage on the basal cistern with a basal skull fracture.