Role of the maxillofacial surgeon in the management of severe ocular injuries after maxillofacial fractures

Simplified practice for ophthalmologist consultation in malar fractures: A retrospective study

Zygomatic bone contributes to the orbital walls, and therefore associated injuries carry a high risk of severe dysfunction of the visual apparatus. The aim of our study was to retrospectively assess the spectrum and frequency of ophthalmic involvement in patients presenting with malar fracture, and the need for referral to an ophthalmologist for evaluation. In total, 102 patients presenting with malar fracture between January 2008 and August 2017 at Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere, Karnataka were enrolled in this study. Patients with confirmed malar fracture were categorized according to Henderson's classification, and associated ocular injuries were recorded. Assessment of the spectrum and frequency of ophthalmic involvement in patients presenting with different types of malar fracture was then carried out, followed by categorization of the need for referral to the ophthalmologist with regard to the associated ocular injury, as per the Al-Qurainy et al. (1991) scoring system, allocating the patients to early, routine, and non-referral categories. Statistically significant differences in proportions of various types of ophthalmic involvement were found between categories of malar fracture, and in degrees of ophthalmic involvement within each category of malar fracture, except in the Type II group of patients. The most severe ocular injuries were noted in Type VII followed by Type V, with the least severe injuries noted in Type II patients. According to the Al-Qurainy et al. (1991) scoring system, eight patients required early referral, 10 patients needed routine referral, and 84 patients were in the non-referral category. Categorization of referral of patients to an ophthalmologist in hospitals lacking ophthalmology departments can be based on the Al-Qurainy et al. classification of referral for Henderson's Type III, IV, and VI. Henderson's Type I and II patients need to be referred only in medicolegal cases. Henderson's Type VII and V patients require mandatory referral.

Imaging the Tight Orbit: Radiologic Manifestations of Orbital Compartment Syndrome

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Orbital compartment syndrome is a sight-threatening emergency caused by rising pressure inside the orbit. It is usually diagnosed clinically, but imaging might help when clinical findings are inconclusive. This study aimed to systematically evaluate imaging features of orbital compartment syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included patients from 2 trauma centers. Proptosis, optic nerve length, posterior globe angle, morphology of the extraocular muscles, fracture patterns, active bleeding, and superior ophthalmic vein caliber were assessed on pretreatment CT. Etiology, clinical findings, and visual outcome were obtained from patient records.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine cases of orbital compartment syndrome were included; most were secondary to traumatic hematoma. Pathologies occurred in the extraconal space in all patients, whereas intraconal abnormalities occurred in 59% (17/29), and subperiosteal hematoma in 34% (10/29). We observed proptosis (affected orbit: mean, 24.4 [SD, 3.1] mm versus contralateral: 17.7 [SD, 3.1] mm; P < .01) as well as stretching of the optic nerve (mean, 32.0 [SD, 2.5] mm versus 25.8 [SD, 3.4] mm; P < .01). The posterior globe angle was decreased (mean, 128.7° [SD, 18.9°] versus 146.9° [SD, 6.4°]; P < .01). In 69% (20/29), the superior ophthalmic was vein smaller in the affected orbit. No significant differences were detected regarding the size and shape of extraocular muscles.

CONCLUSIONS

Orbital compartment syndrome is characterized by proptosis and optic nerve stretching. In some cases, the posterior globe is deformed. Orbital compartment syndrome can be caused by an expanding pathology anywhere within the orbit with or without direct contact to the optic nerve, confirming the pathophysiologic concept of a compartment mechanism.

Acute orbital compartment syndrome due to traumatic hemorrhage: 4-year case series and relevant literature review with emphasis on its management

PURPOSE

Blindness in craniomaxillofacial (CMF) injuries may occur due to acute orbital compartment syndrome (AOCS). Primarily, this article aimed to retrospectively review our 4-year experience in the management of patients diagnosed with AOCS secondary to an orbital hematoma (OH). Furthermore, this paper included up-to-date information regarding the prevalence, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of AOCS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively screened the medical records of patients who visited our hospital's emergency department (ED) and were examined by an oromaxillofacial surgeon for CMF injuries, between September 1, 2013, and September 31, 2017. The electronic hospital's database was searched to retrieve all cases of CMF trauma admitted or referred to our clinic during this period.

RESULTS

Over a 49-month period, 3,514 patients were managed for CMF injuries in ED; 9 cases (0.26%) were attributed to OCS caused by an OH. This group comprised 5 males and 4 females aged between 32 and 91 years old (mean 65.7, median 70). Seven out of 9 patients were subjected to lateral canthotomy and inferior cantholysis (LCIC), whereas septolysis was applied in 6 of them. Sight was preserved in 3 out of 8 patients (37.5%), since a patient died from a serious intracranial injury. Seven out of 9 patients (77.7%) of the OCS group had a history of hypocoagulable state.

CONCLUSIONS

LCIC, septolysis, and careful dissection within inferotemporal orbital quadrant constitute a reliable approach for emergent orbital decompression. CT scan offers differential diagnosis of acute traumatic proptosis, but it should preferably follow LCIC. In case of OHs without pupillary abnormalities and/or impairment of visual acuity, close monitoring allowing for timely interventions is highly recommended to patients with a history of hypocoagulative status, (uncontrolled or severe) hypertension, head trauma, and decreased level of consciousness or in elderly patients suffering from dementia or without rapid access to follow-up medical care. Clinicians dealing with ED services must maintain high skills in AOCS diagnosis and in LCIC execution.

Evaluation of the accuracy of digital and conventional implant-level impression techniques for maxillofacial prosthesis

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of digital impression making based on trueness and precision measurements of dental implants placed in maxillofacial lesions to produce Maxillofacial prosthesis substructures.

Methods

Two intra-oral scanners (Trios 3 and CS 3700) and one Desktop scanner (open technology) were examined in this study. A Model of a patient with a lesion in the ear region was created as a reference. The reference model was scanned by each scanner 10 times. Standard Tessellation Language files were provided from each scanner and were examined in terms of Trueness and Precision aspects.

Results

In Distance 1, in the one-way analysis of variance test, there was a significant difference between the three scanners. The Trios group has less deviation than the Open Technology group (P = 0.015) compared with the CareStream (CS) group that showed more deviation (P < 0.000). There is a statistically significant difference in distance 2 among scanners. The Trios group showed more deviation as compared with the Open Technology group (P < 0.000). While this deviation is not statistically significant compared with the CS group (P = 0.0907). Open Technology Group compared with the CS group also has less deviation in distance 2, which has been statistically significant (P < 0.000). The preparation of a precise model of maxillofacial lesions is still difficult for some Intraoral scanners.

Conclusion

There were significant statistical differences in Trueness and Precision among scanners. Used scanners can be applied as an alternative to conventional impression methods.

Ophthalmic Complications in Maxillofacial Trauma: A Prospective Study

Objectives: To determine the incidence and types of ophthalmic complications associated with maxillofacial trauma over a period of 24 months.

Methods: An institutional prospective study was conducted on 62 patients presenting with maxillofacial trauma to study the correlation between facial trauma and ophthalmic complications.

Results: Road traffic accidents were reported to be the primary etiologic factor for most trauma cases studied. Zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fracture was associated with more ophthalmic complications while fractures involving the orbital rims and walls were associated with severe complications.

Conclusions: Maxillofacial trauma, particularly those associated with midface, including ZMC fracture, Le Fort II, Le Fort III, and naso-orbito-ethmoidal fractures, can commonly cause ophthalmic complications and blindness in rare cases. Hence, every patient with maxillofacial trauma should undergo an ophthalmic examination and should be placed under close observation for necessary treatment when required.

Surgical Decompression of the Orbit due to Frontal Bone and Roof of the Orbit Fractures - A Case Report

Trauma in the face region has a very varied etiology and can be associated with several important structures. Isolated fractures in the orbit region correspond to about 4 to 16% of all facial fractures and this incidence increases to 30 to 55% if we take into account fractures that expand to extraorbital regions. The present clinical report aims to describe the case of a male patient, 21-years-old, victim of a motorcycle accident with facial trauma and traumatic brain injury due to frontal collision. Clinical and imaging examinations showed multiple fractures in the face with herniation of brain mass to the orbital region and consequent extrusion of the eyeball. Surgical procedures were performed to reduce and fix fractures and multidisciplinary treatment aimed at preserving vision and brain integrity. Thus, the surgical approach and the multidisciplinary treatment led to an excellent prognosis attested by the one-year postoperative period.

Retrobulbar hematoma: A systematic review of factors related to outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Retrobulbar hematoma (RBH), a rare but serious condition, can result in permanent vision loss. Although it is a known complication following trauma or facial fracture reduction, sinus surgery, or blepharoplasty, factors related to patient outcomes are not well-defined. A systematic review was performed to determine the relation of patient/treatment factors to outcomes.

METHODS

Articles retrieved from a PubMed search (1989-2017) were reviewed. Demographic information, etiology, symptoms, and final vision outcomes were analyzed using Fisher's exact tests, single and multiple predictor logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 429 articles identified, 16 were included in the study. 93 cases of retrobulbar hematoma were included. 74% occurred after trauma, while 26% occurred postoperatively. Onset of symptoms occurred after approximately 24 hours. 28% received treatment within 1 hour, 54% within 1-24 hours, and 18% after 24 hours. 51% had complete visual recovery, while 27% had partial recovery, and 22% developed blindness. Older patients and patients who sustained trauma were less likely to have a full recovery (p = 0.029, p = 0.023). Increasing number of symptoms trended towards a prediction of blindness (p = 0.092). Surgical decompression and shorter time to treatment were each highly predictive of full recovery (p = 0.024, p = 0.003) and decreased likelihood of blindness (p = 0.037, p = 0.045); use of steroids was not found to be significant.

DISCUSSION

Retrobulbar hematoma is a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency. Factors associated with improved outcomes include younger age, decreased number of total symptoms, surgical decompression, and shorter time to treatment. If recognized and treated early with surgical decompression, recovery of vision is possible.

Ophthalmological Evaluation by a Maxillofacial Surgeon and an Ophthalmologist in Assessing the Damage to the Orbital Contents in Midfacial Fractures: A Prospective Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Midfacial fractures may often be associated with injuries to the orbit which may lead to notable dysfunction of the visual apparatus, if not detected early after injury. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the associated ophthalmic injuries in mid-face trauma and to emphasize the need for understanding the ophthalmic signs and symptoms by an attending maxillofacial surgeon.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total number of 60 clinically and radiographically proven subjects with midfacial fractures were considered in the study that underwent complete ophthalmological evaluation at initial presentation. Referral to ophthalmologist was considered to determine the exact nature of injury and its implications. Results by a maxillofacial surgeon and ophthalmologist were evaluated.

RESULTS

In our study, a male predominance with a mean age of 32 years was observed, with the most common etiology being Road Traffic Accidents. Forty-two of the 60 patients exhibited sub-conjunctival hemorrhage accounting for 70 % of ocular injuries recorded. While 28 of the 60 patients displayed peri-orbital edema (53.3 %), 8 patients experienced diplopia (13.32 %) and 8 patients showed relative afferent pupillary defect (13.32 %).

CONCLUSION

From our study, it becomes imperative that the maxillofacial surgeon should have a thorough knowledge of the various ophthalmic injuries that could occur in association with midfacial trauma in order to prevent visual complications to the patient. Understanding of the subtle injuries to the ocular apparatus which may be undiagnosed by a maxillofacial surgeon but have significant grave outcomes is essential.

The "tight orbit": Incidence and management of the orbital compartment syndrome

PURPOSE

The orbital compartment syndrome (OCS) constitutes a severe emergency, requiring immediate clinical diagnosis and surgical decompression. The key symptom is progressive visual impairment caused by an increase in intraorbital pressure, impairing the perfusion of relevant neurovascular and neurosensory structures. Intraorbital bleeding due to trauma and surgical intervention is known to be the main etiological factor.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of all patients affected by an OCS between January 1, 2012, and May 31, 2015, was performed. Patients' records were reviewed with regard to etiology, initial ophthalmologic status, fracture pattern, concomitant medication, surgical management, and postoperative outcome. The incidence of OCS was calculated based on the total number of craniomaxillofacial (CMF) emergencies.

RESULTS

Within 3.5 years, a total of 18,093 CMF emergencies were registered. In 16 patients, an OCS was documented, corresponding to an incidence of 0.088%. The mean patient age was 67.31 ± 23.86 years, ranging from 22 to 102 years. The etiology varied, but trauma with subsequent intraorbital bleeding was the main cause. The use of anticoagulative medication was documented in 50% of the cases. In 14 patients, immediate surgical orbital decompression was performed: in 10 patients, vision could be preserved; in three patients, blindness resulted; and one patient was lost to follow-up. Two patients were managed without surgery.

CONCLUSION

With regard to the total number of CMF emergencies, OCS is a rare condition. Early clinical diagnosis and surgical decompression are required to prevent permanent vision impairment. Anticoagulative medication must be considered as a predisposing factor for an orbital compartment syndrome in patients affected by periorbital trauma.

Infraorbital nerve posttraumatic deficit and displaced zygomatic fractures: a double-center study

Typical associated signs and symptoms of displaced zygomatic fractures include lack of zygoma projection, diplopia, and sensory disturbances of the infraorbital nerve (ION). The aim of this article was to assess eventual associations between ION sensory disturbances and zygomatic fractures patterns. This study is based on 2 databases that have continuously recorded patients hospitalized with maxillofacial fractures in 2 Departments of Maxillofacial Surgery in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and Turin, Italy between 2001 and 2010. The following data for patients surgically treated for displaced zygomatic fractures were considered: gender, age, site and severity of facial fractures, etiology, and presenting symptoms. Statistically significant associations were found between ION sensory disturbances and assaults (P = 0.007) and sport accidents (P = 0.00003), as well as between ION sensory disturbances and isolated zygomatic fractures (P = 0.000002) and between ION sensory disturbances and diplopia (P = 0.00009).The severity of injury and the absorption of middle-energy and high-energy forces by the zygomatic complex only were associated with ION sensory disturbances. The etiology and severity of the injury as well as the presence of associated symptoms should be thoroughly investigated when a zygomatic fracture is suspected.

Diagnosis and imaging of orbital roof fractures: a review of the current literature

Isolated adult orbital roof fractures are uncommon, and the majority of them are typically associated with extensive craniofacial, ophthalmologic, and other body injuries. It is crucial to make an appropriate diagnosis of orbital roof fracture if present. Therefore, the aim of this article was to review the current literature about diagnosis and imaging of orbital roof fracture to obtain current indications. A systematic review of articles published between January 1990 and August 2013 was performed. Early diagnosis of orbital roof fractures can reduce the incidences of intracranial and ocular complications. CT scan still plays a major role in the assessment of acute orbital trauma. Careful assessment and reporting of the CT scan findings are important. In fact, the clinicians managing the patient with acute head and facial trauma should be familiar with the common findings of CT scan in case of an orbital roof fracture.

Traumatic optic neuropathy: a review

The aim of this article is to evaluate current literature on investigation and management of traumatic optic neuropathy (TON), propose recommendations for diagnosis and management, and explore novel future treatments. TON, though uncommon, causes substantial visual loss. Without clear guidelines, there is much ambiguity regarding its diagnosis and management. Investigation and treatment (conservative, medical, surgical, and combined) vary widely between centers. Electronic databases PubMed, MEDLINE, PROSPERO, CENTRAL, and EMBASE were searched for content that matched "Traumatic optic neuropathy." Articles with abstracts and full text available, published in the past 10 years, written English and limited to human adults, were selected. All study designs were acceptable except case reports and case series with fewer 10 patients. All abstracts were then evaluated for relevance. References of these studies were evaluated and if also relevant, included. A total of 2,686 articles were retrieved and 43 examined for relevance. Of these, 23 articles were included. TON is a clinical diagnosis. Visual-evoked potential is useful in diagnosis and prognosis. Computed tomography demonstrates canal fractures and concomitant injuries. Magnetic resonance images should be reserved for select and stable patients. Conservative treatment is appropriate in mild TON. Steroids are of questionable benefit and may be harmful. Surgery should be reserved for patients with radiological evidence of compression and individualized.

An undetected intraorbital foreign body after a "trivial" facial injury

Intraorbital foreign objects are common after high-velocity injuries and can result in disastrous consequences. A "trivial" facial injury may sometimes obscure the presence of an intraorbital foreign object. Difficulties in the approach to the intraconal space and possible surgical morbidity to the optic nerve make management especially challenging. We are reporting a case wherein an intraconal foreign body was missed during the initial examination of a maxillofacial injury and was subsequently successfully extracted by an endoscopic approach.

Diplopia and driving: a problematic issue

The aim of this article was to review the literature regarding diplopia and driving license and to review the West European legislations about this topic, in order to obtain appropriate indications for hospitals specialists and patients. A systematic review of articles published about diplopia and driving was performed. In addition a review of West European national legislations about driving license regulations for medical illnesses was performed, in addition to the European Union Directive on driving licenses. In the literature, the presence of diplopia has not been considered a reliable predictor of the safety of driving behavior, or it has not appeared to be a contraindication for driving according to some authors who were unable to demonstrate significant differences on driving simulator performance between subjects with chronic stable diplopia and control subjects. Nevertheless, in all western European legislations, acute diplopia constitutes an important limitation for driving, thus making the knowledge of current regulations fundamental for specialists involved in managing patients with diplopia. Ophthalmologists and maxillofacial/head and neck surgeons, may advise patients before hospital discharge about current legislations in their respective countries.

Maxillofacial injuries due to work-related accidents in the North West of Italy

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence and patterns of work-related maxillofacial injuries, identifying worker categories with a high risk of injury.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From a systematic computer-assisted database that has continuously recorded patients hospitalized with maxillofacial fractures, only patients with work-related injuries were considered. Occupation, mechanism of injury, and demographic and clinical data were analyzed.

RESULTS

Work-related facial injuries represented the fifth most common cause of injury, with a percentage of 6.3 %. Maxillofacial fractures were most often seen in construction workers (37.9 %). The middle third was involved in 67 % of the cases; the mandible was the most frequently injured site.

CONCLUSIONS

Work-related maxillofacial trauma is rare, but it is often complex and challenging as Facial Injury Severity Scale values show. In agreement with the few published reports, construction workers, together with farm and forestry workers, are at the highest risk of injuries, mainly because of struck by a thrown, projected, or falling object.

Management of midface maxillofacial trauma

The management of midface trauma continues to challenge maxillofacial surgeons. The complex local anatomy and functional and cosmetic importance of the region make precise surgical correction and reconstruction essential to success.