The functional outcome of blow-out fractures managed surgically and conservatively: our experience in 100 patients

Is Surgery Needed for Diplopia after Blowout Fractures? A Clarified Algorithm to Assist Decision-making

Diplopia is a common symptom after blowout fractures, with an incidence of 43.6%–83%. Although there is some consensus toward surgical correction, diplopia is not always resolved by surgery. Thus, there is a clinical dilemma for surgeons with regard to performing surgery at a specific time. This review aimed to create an algorithm to support accurate and effective decision-making.

Sequelae of Major Trauma Patients with Maxillofacial Fractures

OBJECTIVES

Sequelae after maxillofacial fractures are frequent and may affect the patient's quality of life. This study examined sequelae associated with maxillofacial fractures of severely traumatized patients focusing mainly on nerve injuries.

METHODS

A retrospective study including trauma patients with relevant facial fractures admitted to our Trauma Center in the period 2011-2016. Presence of posttraumatic maxillofacial sequelae was identified by examining the medical records of the included patients. Focusing on facial sensory deficits and facial nerve paralysis, but also comprising data on diplopia, blindness, malocclusion, trismus, eye globe malposition, flattening of the malar, facial contour changes, and wound infections.

RESULTS

Two-hundred-seventy-five severely traumatized patients were included, comprising 201 men (73%), with a median age of 40 years and ISS of 20. 163 (59%) patients only had assessments within 3 months from trauma of which 79 patients (48.5%) had facial complications at initial examination, mostly malocclusion and trismus. Most patients in this group had no or only minor sequelae at their last clinical assessment, mainly being sensory deficits. 112 (41%) patients had assessments both within and beyond 3 months of which 73 patients (65.2%) had facial complications at initial examination, while 91 patients (81%) had reported sequelae within 3 months decreasing to 47 patients (42%) at their last clinical assessment beyond 3 months from trauma, mostly sensory deficits. An improvement of most sequelae was observed.

CONCLUSION

Objective sequelae were found to be quite common after maxillofacial fractures in severely traumatized patients, especially sensory deficits. However, most of the addressed sequelae seemed to improve over time.

An Applied Anatomical Study of the Ethmoidal Arteries: Computed Tomographic and Direct Measurements in Human Cadavers

Computed tomography (CT) images have been used in very few studies on distances to the ethmoidal arteries in the orbit. Most other studies have included direct measurements on cadavers and frequently quote the 24-12-6 mm rule to describe distances from the anterior lacrimal crest to the anterior and posterior ethmoidal foramina (AEF and PEF), optic canal (OC), respectively. However, the large interindividual variation of distances renders absolute values less applicable in a clinical setting. Preoperative measurements on CT images may provide more precise distances than absolute rules and thus lead to safer orbital surgery. The authors hypothesize that the distances to the ethmoidal arteries and the length of the medial wall are positively correlated and that measurements of the distances from the posterior lacrimal crest (PLC) on CT images are feasible with a low intra- and interobserver variability.Fifty intact orbits from 25 Caucasian cadavers were exenterated and examined. In additional, high-resolution CT scans of 48 orbits from 24 other Caucasian nonexenterated cadavers were examined. Distances were measured from 4 different anterior landmarks to the AEF and PEF and the OC.Distances from the most anterior landmarks to the arteries were positively correlated with the length of the medial wall. Measurements of the distances from the PLC to the ethmoidal arteries on CT images were feasible with a low intra- and interobserver variability. In conclusion, iatrogenic damage to the ethmoidal arteries in the orbit may be best avoided by using CT measurements in presurgical planning.

Isolated orbital roof blow-in fracture

We report a rare case of a right orbital roof blow-in fracture in a 40-year-old male with concomitant basal skull fracture and intracranial hemorrhage after a fall backward. Trauma, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, and maxillofacial surgery consultations were obtained. Conservative, non-surgical management was recommended for all injuries, and outpatient follow up for orbital fracture with no surgery offered.