An extended transcaruncular approach for naso-orbito-ethmoid and Le Fort II fracture repair

Outcomes of Surgical Repair of Adult Naso-Orbital-Ethmoid Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

Adult naso-orbital-ethmoid (NOE) fractures are estimated to account for 5% of all adult facial fractures without published consensus on management. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the available literature regarding the treatment and outcomes of adult naso-orbital-ethmoid fractures.

DATA SOURCES

Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL.

METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, databases were searched from inception through July 25, 2024 for studies pertaining to the treatment of NOE fractures. Measures of interest included patient demographics, associated fractures, type of intervention, and complications.

RESULTS

A total of 16 studies were included for meta-analysis, consisting of 459 patients. The patients included in the analysis had a mean age of 30.6 years (95% CI: 26.9-34.3 years) with a male-to-female gender ratio of 2.7:1. Operative intervention, specifically open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) (90.1%; 95: CI: 76.6-98.1%), was the most commonly performed management. Closed reduction has been reported for all three types. The most frequently reported complications included nasolacrimal duct obstruction (38.6%; 95% CI: 10.6-71.7%), postoperative epiphora (24.9%; 95% CI: 6.4-50.4%), and telecanthus (20.9%; 95% CI: 1.7-53.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical intervention can be considered for all NOE types. Despite surgical intervention, NOE fractures remain difficult to treat, and inadequate repair may result in complications. Laryngoscope, 135:991-999, 2025.

Naso-Orbital-Ethmoid Fracture Repair Techniques: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

Naso-orbital-ethmoid (NOE) complex fractures present a challenge to repair. The classification system used to categorize the fracture type was established in 1991 based off the medial canthal tendon attachment. The primary objective was to systematically review the literature outlining repair techniques for NOE fracture after the adoption of the Markowitz classification system.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science to identify peer-reviewed research. Eligible studies were peer-reviewed articles reporting on operative techniques used to repair NOE fractures in adult patients after 1991. Two investigators independently reviewed all articles and extracted data. Level of evidence was assessed by Oxford Center for Evidence-based Medicine guidelines.

RESULTS

This review identified 16 articles that met inclusion/exclusion criteria representing 517 patients. One article outlined a closed reduction technique with transnasal wiring. The remaining articles discussed open approaches with various exposure techniques, most common being the coronal incision. Miniplates and screws were most often implemented for rigid fixation as well as transnasal wiring to repair disrupted medial canthal tendon and canthal bearing bone in Type 2 and 3 NOE fractures. Ten of the studies included in this review had a level of evidence of 4.

CONCLUSIONS

NOE fractures present a complex fracture pattern and challenge to repair. New exposure techniques and multidisciplinary approaches have been described. However, fixation techniques have remained relatively consistent through the years. Surgeon preference and comfort with performing the specific techniques leads to the best patient outcomes. With the low level of evidence referenced, more robust research is needed to evaluate these techniques.

Removal of an Intraosseous Venous Malformation of the Maxilla via a Transoral-transconjunctival-Transcaruncular Approach

Intraosseous vascular anomalies represent less than 1% of all bony tumors. When they involve the maxillofacial skeleton, these masses may cause substantial morbidity and aesthetic concern. Herein, we highlight a case of a maxillary intraosseous venous malformation manifesting as functional lacrimal duct obstruction with epiphora, sinus pressure, and increasing medial canthal/maxillary fullness over 2 years in a young, healthy woman. Surgical excision of the lesion was accomplished without a skin incision by coupling a transoral, midface degloving technique with a transconjunctival-transcaruncular approach. This minimally invasive technique led to complete resolution of symptoms and a satisfactory cosmetic outcome, without a cutaneous scar.

A Naso-Orbito-Ethmoid (NOE) Fracture Associated with Bilateral Anterior and Posterior Frontal Sinus Wall Fractures Caused by a Horse Kick-Case Report and Short Literature Review

Naso-orbito-ethmoid (NOE) fractures associated with anterior and posterior frontal sinus wall fractures are among the most challenging cranio-maxillofacial injuries. These represent a major emergency, having a potentially severe clinical picture, with intracranial hemorrhage, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, meningeal lesions, pneumocephalus, contusion or laceration of the brain matter, coma, and in some cases death. In this article, we present the case of a 30-year-old patient with the diagnosis of NOE fracture associated with bilateral anterior and posterior frontal sinus wall fractures caused by a horse kick, with a fulminant post-traumatic alteration of the neurological status and major impairment of the midface bone architecture. Despite the severity and complexity of the case, early initiation of correct treatment both in terms of intensive care and cranio-maxillofacial surgery led to the successful rehabilitation of the neurological status, as well as to the reconstruction and redimensioning of midface architecture and, not least, to the restoration of the patient’s physiognomy.