The Journal of craniofacial surgery
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The term "orbital blow-out fracture" is referred to as the mechanism by which an impact to the eyeball is transposed as a mechanical energy to the orbital walls, causing them to fracture. Despite a proper surgical technique, a successful anatomic reconstruction of the orbit, and an accurate follow-up, 3 complications are still frequently observed at long-term follow-up: diplopia, enophthalmos, and hypesthesia of the infraorbital nerve territory. In this retrospective study, we analyze the incidence, the specific characterization, and the potential risk factors of these 3 complications. ⋯ Although the surgical technique was executed properly and the immediate postoperative recovery was uneventful, diplopia, enophthalmos, and infraorbital nerve dysfunction were the frequent complications. We stress the fact that orbital blow-out fracture is generally not considered a technically demanding procedure, but the outcome can be very disappointing; the surgical procedure must be managed very carefully by experienced surgeons to lower the high rates of these 3 common complications. However, we can report that the incidence of diplopia, enophthalmos, and infraorbital nerve dysfunction are decreased by an immediate intervention and an early surgical repair of the orbital blow-out fracture. Patients who had surgery within 2 weeks of trauma have a lower risk to develop postoperative complications; this study supports an early surgical treatment of orbital blow-out fractures, when it is indicated.
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the natural history of zygomatic fractures in 469 cases over 14 years. The medical records of patients seeking treatment for zygomatic fractures were reviewed. The zygomatic fractures were classified as monopod, dipod, or tripod fractures for most patients. ⋯ About 90% of the patients with diplopia improved within 2 months. Limitation of mouth opening was improved immediately after operation in most of the cases. Our findings demonstrate significant differences in the demographics and clinical presentation that will enable a more accurate diagnosis and prediction of concomitant injuries and sequelae.
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Comparative Study
Fluid replacement in craniofacial pediatric surgery: normal saline or ringer's lactate?
Pediatric craniofacial surgery requires large amounts of intravenous fluid replacement that may alter the ionic composition of body compartments. Normal (0.9%) saline (NS) and Ringer's lactate (RL) solutions are commonly used, with different advantages and disadvantages. Our hypothesis was that there would be more acidosis with NS but with no advantage of NS over RL regarding the incidence of hyponatremia. Our objective was to determine whether acid-base and electrolyte outcomes could guide fluid management in this group of patients. ⋯ In young children undergoing craniofacial surgery, RL may be a preferred crystalloid over NS because metabolic acidosis is less frequent, with no increased incidence of hyponatremia.
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Comparative Study
Assessment of the adequacy of closed reduction in fractures of the zygomatic arch using "C"-arm image intensifier.
Major problems in closed reduction of isolated, minimally displaced, and depressed zygomatic arch fractures are blind nature of the technique, reliability on digital palpation, reduction click, and step deformity between fragments. The purpose of this study was to objectively confirm the adequacy of closed reduction intraoperatively and the usefulness of the "C"-arm image intensifier. A total of 12 patients with 1- to 8-day-old unilateral isolated and depressed zygomatic arch fracture underwent closed reduction under "C"-arm image intensifier. ⋯ In this patient, additional stabilization was provided. The "C"-arm image intensifier shows some poorly reduced or unstable isolated depressed zygomatic arch fractures that remain unidentified even after careful palpation. Thus, it plays a recognizable role to avoid the trouble of second intervention.
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Traumatic auricular amputation due to human bite is not a common event, but it constitutes a difficult challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. Microsurgery can be performed in some cases, but replantation of a severed ear without microsurgery can be a safe alternative. ⋯ It is a simple technique and very reliable because it allows a great surface of contact between the graft and the vascular bed, substantially increasing its odds of survival in cases presenting with high risk of infection such as human bite injury. It also produces excellent aesthetic results.