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The World Oral Maxillofacial Trauma (WORMAT) project was performed to analyze the causes and characteristics of maxillofacial fractures managed in 14 maxillofacial surgery divisions over a 1-year period.The following data were collected: age, sex, cause and mechanism of maxillofacial fracture, alcohol and/or drug abuse at the time of trauma, fracture site, Facial Injury Severity Scale score (FISS), associated injury, day of trauma, timing and type of treatment, and length of hospitalization. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software.Between 30 September 2019 and 4 October 2020, 2,387 patients (1,825 males and 562 females [ratio 3.2:1], 47.6% aged 20-39 years [mean age 37.2 years, median 33.0 years]) were hospitalised. The main cause of maxillofacial fracture was road traffic accidents (RTA), which were statistically associated with male adults as like as assault, sport, and work (p0,05). Half of the fractures involved the middle third of the face, statistically associated with fall and assault (p0.05). Trauma in multiple locations was significantly associated with longer hospital stay (p0.05). The mean length of hospitalization was 3.9 days (95% Confidence Interval 3.7-4.2).This prospective, multicenter epidemiological study confirmed that young adult males were the ones most commonly affected by maxillofacial fracture. RTAs and assaults are statistically associated with the adult population, while falls are associated with females and older population.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:39:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2022-01-01 Background/Aims: Paediatric maxillofacial trauma accounts for 15% of all maxillofacial trauma but remains a leading cause of mortality. The aim of this prospective, multicentric epidemiological study was to analyse the characteristics of maxillofacial fractures in paediatric patients managed in 14 maxillofacial surgery departments on five continents over a 1-year period. Methods: The following data were collected: age (preschool [0–6 years], school age [7–12 years], and adolescent [13–18 years]), cause and mechanism of the maxillofacial fracture, alcohol and/or drug abuse at the time of trauma, fracture site, Facial Injury Severity Scale score, associated injuries, day of the maxillofacial trauma, timing and type of treatment, and length of hospitalization. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Results: Between 30 September 2019 and 4 October 2020, 322 patients (male:female ratio, 2.3:1) aged 0–18 years (median age, 15 years) were hospitalized with maxillofacial trauma. The most frequent causes of the trauma were road traffic accidents (36%; median age, 15 years), followed by falls (24%; median age, 8 years) and sports (21%; median age, 14 years). Alcohol and/or drug abuse was significantly associated with males (p

The purpose of this prospective multicenter study was to analyze the epidemiology, patterns, and management of maxillofacial fractures due to road traffic accidents (RTAs) worldwide.Between Monday September 30, 2019 and Sunday October 4, 2020,1066 patients with RTAs related fractures were admitted to 14 maxillofacial surgery departments. The following data were analyzed: age, gender, mechanism of injury, alcohol or drug abuse at the time of trauma, maxillofacial fracture site, facial injury severity scale (FISS) score, associated injuries, day and month of trauma, time of treatment, type of treatment and length of hospital stay. Data were analyzed using bivaried and multivaried statistical analysis.Eight hundred seventy patients were male, and 196 were female. The most common mechanism of injury was motorcycle accidents (48%). More than half of the patients had fractures of the middle third of the maxillofacial skeleton. In total, 59% of the study sample underwent open reduction internal fixation. The median facial injury severity scale (3 points) and the medial hospital stay (3 days) were significantly lower in patients with seatbelts and helmet (P 0.001).This first prospective, multicenter epidemiological study shows that motorcycle accidents are the leading cause of RTAs related fractures, mostly in young males. Particularly in Australia and Europe, the incidence of RTAs was significantly lower. Moreover, this study found that the severity of maxillofacial lesions was significantly higher in patients without safety devices, with consequent longer hospital stay demonstrating the efficacy of road safety policies in preventing maxillofacial injury.

BACKGROUND/AIM Sports activities have become increasingly popular among amateurs and this has led to an increase in maxillofacial fractures. The aim of this study was to investigate the management of amateur sport-related maxillofacial fractures and appropriate preventive measures. METHODS A trauma database was used to analyze 3231 patients with maxillofacial fractures admitted to the Maxillofacial Surgery Division of Citta della Salute e della Scienza Hospital, Turin, Italy, from January 2001 to December 2019. Only patients with non-professional sports-related maxillofacial fractures were included. The following data were collected: age, gender, type of sport, mechanisms of injury, sites of fracture, Facial Injury Severity Scale, associated injuries, month of trauma, time to treatment, treatment, length of stay, and interval before return to sport. RESULTS There were 432 patients, 378 males and 54 females, with a mean age of 29.2 (5-76 years). Sport-related maxillofacial fractures' relative percent ranged from 11.1% in 2001 to 17.5% in 2019. Soccer was the most common cause of sport-related maxillofacial fractures (54.2%), and impact with a player/opponent was the main mechanism of injury (72%). An intentional violent act (player hit by a fist) was the cause of fracture in 8.5% of the soccer-related injuries. Fractures of the middle third of the face occurred in 61.2% of patients. Maxillofacial fractures were treated within 24 h in 25% of patients. There were 343 out of 412 patients who received open reduction and internal fixation (mean length of hospital stay: 3.7 days). There was no contraindication to resuming sport activities at 30/40 days after treatment, except for combat sports. CONCLUSIONS This study provided further evidence of a relative increase in sports-related maxillofacial fractures. Soccer is related to the majority of sport maxillofacial fractures. Adherence to the rules is necessary to limit violent acts that cause such injuries. In non-professional players, resumption of the full activity is allowed after 40 days for non-combat sports.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:39:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2022-01-01 Background/Aims: The growth of the global elderly population will lead to an increase in traumatic injuries in this group, including those affecting the maxillofacial area, with a heavier load on health systems. The aim of this multicentric prospective study was to understand and evaluate the incidences, causes and patterns of oral and maxillofacial injuries in patients aged over 60 years admitted to 14 maxillofacial surgical departments around the world. Methods: The following data were collected: gender, cause and mechanism of maxillofacial fracture, alcohol and drug abuse at the time of trauma, fracture site, Facial Injury Severity Scale score, associated injury, day of trauma, timing and type of treatment and length of hospitalization. Statistical analyses were performed using non-parametric and association tests, as well as linear regression. Results: Between 30 September 2019 and 4 October 2020, 348 out of 2387 patients (14.6%), 197 men and 151 women (ratio 1.3:1; mean age 72.7 years), were hospitalized. The main causes of the maxillofacial fractures were falls (66.4%), followed by road traffic accidents (21.5%) and assaults (5.2%). Of the 472 maxillofacial fractures, 69.7% were in the middle third of the face, 28% in the lower third and 2.3% in the upper third. Patients with middle third fractures were on average 4.2 years older than patients with lower third fractures (95% CI 1.2–7.2). Statistical analysis showed that women were more involved in fall-related trauma compared with males (p

Purpose The aim of this survey was to investigate the surgical management of bilateral mandibular angle fracture (BMAF) in Europe. Methods Data were collected from 2008 to 2018 on patients ≥ 16 years of age who underwent open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for BMAF with a third molar in the fracture line. The study was conducted at 6 European trauma centers. The following data were recorded: sex, age, cause of the fracture, type of fracture (nondisplaced, displaced, comminuted), type of approach (intraoral, transbuccal, or extraoral), thickness of the plate (≤1.4 mm or ≥1.5 mm), number of plates, cause of plate removal, and third molar extraction status. Results 25 patients with BMAF (24 males, 1 female, 17 to 83 years old [mean: 28.2 years]) were collected. The main cause of BMAF was assault, and the main surgical approach was intraoral. The most common types of BMAF were displaced + undisplaced (11 patients), displaced + displaced (7 patients), undisplaced + undisplaced (6 patients), and comminuted + comminuted (1 patient). Osteosynthesis was performed with 2 ≤1.4 mm plates on 1 angular fracture and 1 ≤1.4 mm plate on the other fracture in 11 patients, 1 ≤1.4 mm plate on both angular fractures in 6 patients, 1 ≥1.5 mm plate on both fractures in 5 patients, and 2 ≤1.4 mm plates on both fractures in the remaining 3 patients. Out of 25 patients with BMAF, 7 third molars were extracted during ORIF. Among these patients, angular fracture fixation was performed in 3 cases with 1 ≥1.5 mm plate and in 4 patients with 2 ≤1.4 mm plates. Conclusions This retrospective multicenter survey indicates a trend of treating with open reduction and rigid internal fixation at least 1 angular fracture of BMAF and those cases requiring extraction of the third molar in the line of fracture.

Purpose: The aim of this multicentric study was to retrospectively evaluate the surgical outcome of atrophic mandible fractures treated with open reduction and rigid fixation (ORIF), using load-bearing plates. Materials and methods: 55 patients from three trauma centers were retrieved for the study. Inclusion criteria were: edentulous patients with mandibular body fractures; mandibular body thickness

The purpose of this study was to analyse the demographics, causes and characteristics of maxillofacial fractures managed at several European departments of oral and maxillofacial surgery over one year. The following data were recorded: gender, age, aetiology, site of facial fractures, facial injury severity score, timing of intervention, length of hospital stay. Data for a total of 3396 patients (2655 males and 741 females) with 4155 fractures were recorded. The mean age differed from country to country, ranging between 29.9 and 43.9 years. Overall, the most frequent cause of injury was assault, which accounted for the injuries of 1309 patients; assaults and falls alternated as the most important aetiological factor in the various centres.The most frequently observed fracture involved the mandible with 1743 fractures, followed by orbital-zygomatic-maxillary (OZM) fractures. Condylar fractures were the most commonly observed mandibular fracture.The results of the EURMAT collaboration confirm the changing trend in maxillofacial trauma epidemiology in Europe, with trauma cases caused by assaults and falls now outnumbering those due to road traffic accidents.The progressive ageing of the European population, in addition to strict road and work legislation may have been responsible for this change. Men are still the most frequent victims of maxillofacial injuries.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment of mandibular fractures treated in two European centre in 10 years. Study Design: This study is based on 2 systematic computer-assisted databases that have continuously recorded patients hospitalized with maxillofacial fractures in two centers in Turin, Italy and in Amsterdam, the Netherlands for ten years. Only patients who were admitted for mandibular fractures were considered for this study. Results: Between 2001 and 2010, a total of 752 patients were admitted at Turin hospital with a total of 1167 mandibular fractures not associated with further maxillofacial fractures, whereas 245 patients were admitted at Amsterdam hospital with a total of 434 mandibular fractures. At Amsterdam center, a total of 457 plates (1.5 - 2.7 mm) were used for the 434 mandibular fracture lines, whereas at Turin center 1232 plates (1.5 – 2.5 mm) were used for the management of the 1167 mandibular fracture lines. At Turin center, 190 patients were treated primarily with IMF, whereas 35 patients were treated with such treatment option at Amsterdam center. Conclusions: Current protocols for the management of mandibular fractures are quite efficient. It is difficult to obtain a uniform protocol, because of the difference of course of each occurring fracture and because of surgeons’ experiences and preferences. Several techniques can still be used for each peculiar fracture of the mandible.

In severe orbital fractures, restoration of orbital shape and volume is required to avoid diplopia and posttraumatic enophthalmos. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes between navigation-aided and conventional techniques for complex unilateral orbital fractures using titanium mesh.The outcomes and the computed tomography-measured orbital volume of two groups of orbital complex unilateral reconstruction cases were compared. The study group consisted of a consecutive cohort of unilateral severe orbital fracture that underwent surgery with the aid of a Brainlab navigation system. A historical control group was composed of consecutive operations performed immediately before the beginning of navigation system use. A total of 55 operations were then identified and studied for patient characteristics, diplopia and globe position, preoperative and postoperative orbital volumes, complications, need for revision surgery, and the surgeon's performance.Postoperative diplopia severity was lower in the study group than in the control group. Orbital volume analysis showed that reconstructed orbital volume in the study group was closer to unaffected orbital volume compared with the control group. Significant orbital volume reduction in the reconstructed orbit could be achieved in the study group, and there was no significant reduction in the control group compared with the unaffected side. The globe projection was higher compared with the preoperative situation in the study group than in the control group. The navigational platform could also contribute to reduce the learning curve.This study demonstrated that computer-assisted techniques improve outcomes compared with conventional techniques.Therapeutic, III.

The aim of this study was to assess the characteristics of patients with coronoid fractures treated in two European centres over 10 years and to briefly review the literature.This study is based on 2 systematic computer-assisted databases that have continuously recorded patients hospitalized with maxillofacial fractures and surgically treated in two European centres between 2001 and 2010.During the 10 years, 1818 patients and 523 patients with maxillofacial fractures were admitted to the two centres respectively: 21 patients (16 males, 5 females) were admitted with 21 coronoid fractures and 28 associated maxillofacial fractures.A mean age of 42.1 years was observed. The fractures were mainly the result of motor vehicle accidents, followed by assaults and falls. The most frequently observed associated maxillofacial fracture was a zygomatic fracture (13 fractures). In both centres, mandibular coronoid fractures are treated unless a severe dislocation of the fractured coronoid is observed or a functional mandibular impairment is encountered.Conservative treatment can be used, together with the open reduction and internal fixation of associated fractures. The crucial point is to prevent ankylosis, which may be prevented by correct and early postoperative physiotherapy and mandibular function.

We describe here a peculiar case of a 30-year-old woman presenting with an orbital trapdoor fracture. Preoperative and postoperative magnetic resonance images are provided to explain the mechanism of the injury.

Purpose: The aims of this study were to assess the clinical outcomes of patients with anterior bifocal mandibular fractures and to discuss the management of this peculiar type of trauma. Methods: From the systematic computer-assisted database that has continuously recorded patients hospitalized with maxillofacial fractures, only patients admitted with anterior bifocal bilateral mandibular fractures between 2001 and 2011 were considered. Patients were contacted, and they were invited to volunteer for a clinical follow-up examination. Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher exact test, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Forty dentate patients with anterior bifocal bilateral mandibular fractures (without the presence of further mandibular fractures) were included in the study. Nineteen patients with dislocated anterior segment underwent surgical intervention within 12 hours from hospital admission in the emergency department, whereas 21 patients with nondisplaced mandibular fractures were surgically treated in the elective operating room within 72 hours. Only 3 patients underwent tracheostomy. All patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation with 2.0- and 2.4-mm plates via intraoral approach, except for patients with submental or submandibular facial lacerations. Conclusions: Anterior bifocal bilateral mandibular fractures may involve a challenging management because they can compromise the upper airway. Accurate reduction and internal fixation of these fractures have been critical to restoring form and function of the mandible. The upper airway management and securing always take first, but a prompt surgical intervention of dislocated fractures avoids upper airways impairment.

Purpose Orbital trapdoor fractures are pure orbital floor fractures with herniation and entrapment of the orbital contents, leading to restricted eye movement and diplopia. Trapdoor fractures in children have been discussed widely in published reports; however, the treatment policy and outcome remain controversial, although early treatment has been advocated. Our retrospective study analyzed the long-term results of pediatric patients undergoing surgery for trapdoor fractures to determine the outcome in relation to the type of fracture and the timing and technique of intervention. Patients and Methods The present study included 24 patients (age range 6 to 16 years) who underwent surgery for trapdoor fractures from 1998 to 2007. The demographic, etiologic, radiologic, and surgical findings, interval between trauma and surgery, surgical techniques, and complications were recorded. Diplopia, ocular motility, dysesthesia, and scar quality were recorded at follow-up. Results The follow-up duration averaged 36 months. At follow-up, 1 (8.3%) of 12 patients who underwent surgery within 24 hours (urgent treatment) had residual diplopia. In contrast, 3 (37.5%) of 8 patients who underwent surgery 24 to 96 hours (early treatment) and 4 (100%) of 4 who underwent surgery after 96 hours (late treatment) had diplopia. No sensory deficit of the skin or unesthetic eyelid scar was noted. Conclusions We found a correlation between the outcome and the timing of surgery for trapdoor fractures in the pediatric population. The success rate was significantly better when the fractures were treated within 24 hours of the injury. The results of the present study have strengthened the assertion that trapdoor orbital fractures pose a true surgical emergency.

In this prospective study, we used the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) to evaluate the outcome of the healing process of posttraumatic and surgical facial scars that were treated with self-drying silicone gel, by both the patient and the observer. In our division, the application of base cream and massage represents the standard management of facial scars after suture removal. In the current study, 15 patients (7 men and 8 women) with facial scars were treated with self-drying silicone gel that was applied without massage, and 15 patients (8 men and 7 women) were treated with base cream and massage. Both groups underwent a clinical evaluation of facial scars by POSAS at the time of suture removal (T0) and after 2 months of treatment (T1). The patient rated scar pain, itch, color, stiffness, thickness, and surface (Patient Scale), and the observer rated scar vascularity, pigmentation, thickness, relief, pliability, and surface area (Observer Scale [OS]). The Patient Scale reported the greatest improvement in the items color, stiffness, and thickness. Itch was the only item that worsened in the group self-drying silicone gel. The OS primarily reported an improvement in the items vascularization, pigmentation, and pliability. The only item in the OS that underwent no change from T0 to T1 was surface area. The POSAS revealed satisfactory healing of posttraumatic and surgical facial scars that were treated with self-drying silicone gel.

The mandibular angle is a frequent site of fracture. It is a weak zone that is more exposed to fractures than other areas of the mandibular bone. The presence of incompletely erupted third molars is associated with a further increased risk of angle fractures. Our objective was to evaluate and discuss the surgical outcomes of a group of patients with bilateral mandibular angle fractures.In our study, patients with bilateral mandibular angle fractures surgically treated from January 1, 2001, to June 30, 2009, at the Division of Maxillofacial Surgery of the University of Turin were retrospectively analyzed. A combined transbuccal and intraoral approach or an intraoral approach only was adopted.Eight patients (7 men and 1 woman) underwent surgery for bilateral mandibular angle fractures. Good to satisfactory reduction of the fractures was obtained with both surgical techniques. Good to fair restored occlusion was observed postoperatively in all patients.Successful treatment of bilateral mandibular angle fractures may be achieved via different techniques. Superficially impacted third molars seem to be associated with an increased risk of angle fractures. Bilateral angle fractures are an ideal model to study the biomechanical pathogenesis of angle fractures.

The presence of deeply horizontally impacted lower second and third molars is unusual. The arrested eruption of the lower second and third molars can determine disturbances of mastication and aesthetics. Moreover, an increased risk of caries in the distal side of the first lower molar is possible. Different therapeutic approaches could be proposed for second and third molar impaction and malposition. In this article, we report the management and the outcome of the surgical treatment of a patient with impacted mandibular second and third molars.

Summary Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is an uncommon benign bony lesion that occurs in the mandible and maxilla. The clinical behaviour of CGCG ranges from a slow-growing asymptomatic swelling to an aggressive lesion that presents pain, local bone destruction, root resorption and tooth displacement. Therapeutic options have varied greatly over the years. Non-surgical treatments with alpha interferon (α-IFN), calcitonin and corticosteroids have been described and their benefits may be worthy of consideration. Surgery is considered the traditional treatment and it is still the most accepted one, however in the literature not all authors agree on the type of surgery which should be performed. Although en bloc resection provides the lowest recurrence rate, only a few single case reports describe the use of this technique followed by reconstruction with autogenous bone grafts. The authors report their experience with en bloc resection of 18 wide CGCGs which had not been previously treated medically. Immediate reconstruction was carried out for all cases and in one, a fibula free flap was used to reconstruct the mandible. No recurrence was observed. After complete healing of the graft, prosthetic rehabilitation via implants was performed. This allowed the best functional and aesthetic results.

Background Chemodectomas of the head and neck are tumors that originate from the neural crest. The authors report a case of carotid body tumor with chronic hypoxia secondary to congenital cyanogenic cardiac malformation, radiologically and surgically treated. Methods and Results A 37-year-old woman presented 1-year history of a slow-growing right lateral-cervical swelling. Radiologic examination led to a suspicion of carotid body tumor. Her history revealed thoracic situs solitus and a complex congenital heart disease. She was hospitalized for a selective angiography of the cervical vessels. Twenty-four hours later, the tumor was completely removed under local anesthesia. One year later, there were no signs of recurrence, and the patient showed a correct hemodynamic compensation. Conclusions The choice of surgical resection with selective preoperative embolization, which induced the obliteration of the feeder vessels, devascularizing the tumor and avoiding significant intraoperative bleeding, was successful. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008

By analyzing sports-related maxillofacial fractures, we sought to describe preventive measures and recovery times until sporting activities could be resumed. Between January 2001 and December 2006, 1241 patients were hospitalized as a result of maxillofacial fractures. The patients with sports-related maxillofacial fractures were analyzed based on age, sex, type of sport, injury mechanism, trauma site, presence of associated fractures, hospitalization, treatment method, and recovery time until the resumption of sporting activities. One hundred thirty-eight patients (11.4%) sustained sports-related maxillofacial fractures: 121 males and 17 females (ratio 8:1), aged between 11 and 72 years. The sport producing the greatest number of injuries was soccer (62.3%), followed by skiing (14.5%), and horseback riding (6.5%). The injuries involved mainly the middle third of the face (71.6%), and the mandible was the most affected site (27.2%), followed by the maxillary-zygomatic-orbital complex (25.9%). Treatment was surgery in 93.5% of the patients, with an average hospitalization period of 3.5 days. The protocol created to manage the follow-up of maxillofacial injury patients advised resuming sports activities at least 40 days after the trauma, except in the case of combat sports, when a period of 3 months was required. Although the results of this study indicate a reduction in the total incidence of sports-related maxillofacial injuries, they also show an alarming secondary increase in trauma resulting from the most popular sport in Italy-soccer. Therefore, stricter regulations are needed to discourage violent play, rather than relying on the use of protective equipment. Moreover, patients should be advised when they can resume sports activities, particularly in the case of professionals and semiprofessionals.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to present and discuss the results of a European multicentre prospective study about pediatric maxillofacial trauma epidemiology during a year.Study DesignThe following data were recorded: gender, age, etiology, site of fracture, date of injury. Of the 3396 patients with maxillofacial fractures admitted within the study period, 114 (3.3%) were children aged 15 years and younger, with a male/female ratio of 2.6:1. Mean age was 10.9 years. Most patients (63%) were aged 11-15 years.ResultsThe most frequent cause of injury was fall (36 patients). Sport injuries and assaults were almost limited to the oldest group, whereas falls were more uniformly distributed in the 3 groups. The most frequently observed fracture involved the mandible with 47 fractures. In particular, 18 condylar fractures were recorded, followed by 12 body fractures.ConclusionsFalls can be acknowledged as the most important cause of facial trauma during the first years of life. The high incidence of sport accidents after 10 years may be a reason to increase the use of mouthguards and other protective equipment. Finally, the mandible (and in particular the condyle) was confirmed as the most frequent fracture site.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to present and discuss the demographic characteristics and patterns of assault-related maxillofacial fractures as reported by a European multicenter prospective study.Study DesignDemographic and injury data were recorded for each patient who was a victim of an assault.ResultsAssaults represented the most frequent etiology of maxillofacial trauma with an overall rate of 39% and the values ranging between 60.8% (Kiev, Ukraine) and 15.4% (Bergen, Norway). The most frequent mechanisms of assault-related maxillofacial fractures were fists in 730 cases, followed by kicks and fists. The most frequently observed fracture involved the mandible (814 fractures), followed by orbito-zygomatic-maxillary complex fractures and orbital fractures.ConclusionsOur data confirmed the strong possibility that patients with maxillofacial fractures may be victims of physical aggression. The crucial role of alcohol in assault-related fractures was also confirmed by our study.

Summary Introduction During the last 10 years, intermaxillary fixation using intraoral cortical bone screws has been introduced for the treatment of mandibular fractures. The aim of this work was to evaluate the indications and possible complications of this method. Materials and methods Sixty-two patients with mandibular fractures, treated by intermaxillary fixation using these screws, were evaluated by preoperative and postoperative panoramic radiographs. Clinical testing was carried out for vitality and abnormal mobility of teeth adjacent to the site of screw insertions. To evaluate the efficacy of this method, different factors were considered such as possible iatrogenic dental injuries, loss, breakage or screw cover by oral mucosa and postoperative occlusion. Results The most important complication was iatrogenic damage to dental roots (1.5%), 4.9% of the screws were covered by oral mucosa and 1.9% were lost, while none were broken. Malocclusion was observed in one patient (1.6%) and lack of consolidation of a displaced fracture of the mandibular body in another patient. Conclusions Use of intraoral cortical bone screws for intermaxillary fixation is a valid alternative to arch bars in the treatment of mandibular fractures. Iatrogenic injury to dental roots is the most important problem of this procedure, but can be minimized by an experienced surgeon.

BACKGROUND The aim of this article was to present our experience in the management of pathologic mandibular fractures. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of 14 patients with pathologic mandibular fractures associated with osteoradionecrosis, bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, benign/malignant lesions, osteomyelitis, idiopathic, or iatrogenic etiology. Data collected included age, sex, etiology, site, treatment, and outcome. RESULTS Five patients had iatrogenic fractures, 3 patients had osteomyelitis, 2 had benign cystic lesion, and the remaining 4 had primary squamous cell carcinoma, histiocytosis, multiple myeloma, and bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw, respectively. Eleven fractures of 14 were treated using a 2.4-mm mandibular plate. CONCLUSIONS Pathologic mandibular fractures may be challenging to treat because of their different etiology and peculiar local and general conditions, often requiring a more rigid fixation. In patients with poor medical conditions, simpler and more limited options may be preferred.

Diplopia is a symptom that is frequently associated with orbital wall fractures. The aim of this article was to present the incidence and patterns of diplopia after orbital wall blow-out fractures in 2 European centers, Turin and Amsterdam, and to identify any correlation between this symptom and such fractures. This study is based on 2 databases that have continuously recorded data of patients hospitalized with maxillofacial fractures between 2001 and 2010. On the whole, 447 patients (334 males, 113 females) with pure blow-out orbital wall fractures were included. The most frequently involved orbital site was the floor (359 fractures), followed by medial wall (41 fractures) and lateral wall (5 fractures). At presentation, 227 patients (50.7%) had evidence of diplopia. In particular, in most patients, a diplopia in all directions was referred (78 patients). Statistically significant associations were found between diplopia on eye elevation and orbital floor fractures (P < 0.05) and between horizontal diplopia and medial wall fractures (P < 0.000005). In patients under evaluation for orbital trauma, the observation of diplopia on eye elevation and horizontal diplopia at presentation could be useful clinical indicators orbital floor and medial wall fractures, respectively.

Maxillofacial fractures and associated lesions following airbag deployment were studied in six patients who suffered frontal or fronto-lateral car crashes. Installation of airbags in motor vehicles has reduced the morbidity and the mortality following motor vehicle accidents, but the appearance of new types of trauma directly related to airbag deployment raise questions about the potential danger of these devices when used improperly. The results of this limited study suggest that airbag injuries can be aggravated if: (1) seat belts are not worn; and (2) if the driver's chest is too close to the steering wheel as can easily happen with small people (in our study, two women). There needs to be a way of disconnecting the system.

Peripheral osteomas are benign, slow-growing osteogenic tumors that are caused by centrifugal growth of the periosteum and develop as masses attached to the cortical plates.The pathogenesis of osteomas is unclear, and embryologic, traumatic, inflammatory, metaplastic, and genetic causes have been proposed. A solitary peripheral osteoma of the jaws is uncommon.The purpose of this paper is to present a peculiar case of mandibular peripheral osteoma with a particular radiographic superimposition that stress the importance of clinical and CT findings.

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.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.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.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.

ObjectiveBicycle-related injuries account for an important proportion of road injuries all over the world. As only few reports have focused on the characteristics of maxillofacial fractures sustained in bicycle accidents, the purpose of this study was to present and compare epidemiological data about bicycle-related maxillofacial injuries in two European centers between 2001 and 2010.MethodsBicycle-related facial fractures occurred in 105 patients (79 males, 26 females) in Turin, with a percentage of 5.77 among all facial fractures, and in 103 patients (55 males, 50 females) in Amsterdam, with a percentage of 19.69.ResultsThe major risk groups include young people between their first to third decades. The mandible is the most frequently involved facial bone. Among mandibular injuries the most commonly involved site was the condyle.ConclusionsBicycle-related injuries must be considered an important etiological factor in maxillofacial fractures with typical patterns, such as a peculiar seasonal incidence.

Hyaline ring granuloma is a rare oral lesion with an unclear and controversial etiology, characterized by the presence of rings of palely eosinophilic structureless material (the so-called hyaline rings) with multinucleated giant cells around and within the very same rings.Various theories have been proposed about the pathogenesis of hyaline ring granulomas. Many authors consider a vegetable origin, suggesting that it may represent a reaction to foreign material such as food (and in particular pulses). Instead, other authors deny this possibility, proposing that the hyaline rings might represent degenerated blood vessels, degenerated collagen, or fibrosed extravasated serum proteins.The aim of this article is to present a case of hyaline ring granuloma and to briefly review the literature.

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.

The aim of the study was to analyze the incidence, characteristics, and correlations between maxillofacial fractures and dental injuries in patients who were treated at a first-level trauma center in a metropolitan center in northwest Italy in the last 11 years. Between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2011, 2,110 patients with maxillofacial fractures were admitted. Only dentulous patients with complete clinical records who presented with associated dental injuries were included in this study. Data on the age, gender, mechanism of injury, damaged tooth, type of dental injury, site of facial fractures, and concomitant injuries were recorded. On the whole, 267 patients (13.1 %), mainly males aged 20–29 years, presented with 759 dental injuries associated with maxillofacial fractures, especially following motor vehicle accidents. The maxillary teeth, most often the anterior elements with decreasing involvement from the incisors to the molars, were the teeth most frequently damaged overall. The main types of dental trauma in patients with maxillofacial fractures were luxations and dental fractures. Our findings show that patients with mandibular fractures were statistically and significantly associated with dental injury, and the teeth in the upper jaw were the most frequently injured teeth, exhibiting mainly luxations and crown fractures. Confirmation of the predominant impact site in patients with dental injuries associated with maxillofacial fractures comes from the 177 lacerations noted in the chin and lip regions in 267 patients.

PURPOSE The aim of the study was to present the outcomes of the conservative treatment of unilateral displaced condylar fractures in a series of children with mixed dentition. METHODS The treatment protocol of our study population included the placement of fixed orthodontic appliances, the preparation of a maxillary acrylic splint, and functional exercises. Six and 12 months after trauma, patients underwent clinical temporomandibular joint dysfunction and mandibular motion assessments and a panoramic radiography. RESULTS Fourteen children with a mean age of 7.2 years were included in the study. At 1 year follow-up, complete clinical and functional recovery was observed in all patients. A complete healing process leading to a normal condylar process was observed in almost all patients. CONCLUSIONS Conservative treatment of displaced condylar fractures in children, using a progressively remodeled splint, showed satisfactory functional outcomes at 12 months of follow-up.

Purpose To present and discuss the demographic and clinical aspects and the management of 44 cases of osteomas of the craniomaxillofacial region. Materials and Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of all cases of osteoma diagnosed from 2000 through 2010. The data collected included age at diagnosis, gender, lesion location, presenting symptoms, type of osteoma, treatment, and outcomes. Results Forty-two patients with 43 osteomas were diagnosed during the study period. Their mean age was 48 years. The male-to-female ratio was 0.4:1. Twenty-one patients were asymptomatic, whereas 10 patients complained about headache and neuralgia, and 11 patients presented with facial asymmetry. Only 21 symptomatic osteomas were surgically removed after histologic diagnosis, whereas for the asymptomatic lesions a careful follow-up was maintained. Conclusions The slow growth of osteomas allows a conservative attitude toward asymptomatic lesions. Thus, when surgery is performed, it is extremely important to plan a surgical approach that minimizes any damage to the adjacent structures.

Purpose This study aimed to analyze and discuss the demographic, clinical, and surgical aspects of 53 surgically treated odontomas and to review the literature. Patients and methods A retrospective review was performed on all cases of treated odontomas in our center. A review of the recent literature about demographic aspects of odontomas was performed. Results A total of 53 odontomas with a mean age of 35 years were surgically treated during the study period: 32 complex odontomas, 20 compound odontomas, and 1 immature odontoma. Compound odontomas occurred more often at the mandible with a predilection for the anterior region, whereas complex odontomas showed up more often in the posterior regions of the mandible. Odontomas most commonly occurred in patients in the second decade of life. The main presenting sign was the eruption failure of permanent teeth (44 cases), whereas 1 patient referred pain as the presenting symptom. Conclusions Odontomas are hamartomas not rarely encountered by oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Odontomas usually determine delayed eruption; thus, in case of any dentition anomaly or jaw deformation in children and adolescents, it is very important to investigate the presence of possible odontomas with radiographs.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to analyze the etiology and patterns of soft-tissue facial lacerations associated with maxillofacial fractures and to identify associations between facial lacerations and underlying fractures. METHODS: Of 1960 patients who had been admitted for maxillofacial fractures between 2001 and 2010, only patients with complete clinical records presenting with facial lacerations were considered for this study. Facial lacerations were classified according to the MCFONTZL system. RESULTS: Of the 1960 patients admitted with maxillofacial fractures, 637 had 836 associated facial lacerations. Motor vehicle accidents and falls were responsible for most injuries to patients with facial lacerations. According to etiology, fractures resulting from work-related accidents more frequently produced associated lacerations.For all causes of injury, more facial lacerations were observed over the "T" area formed by the upper orbit and forehead, nose, upper and lower lips, and chin. Lacerations and maxillofacial fractures were more frequently localized to the middle third of the face, followed by the inferior third.There was a strong association between lacerations and fractures in the chin region, considering both symphyseal and parasymphyseal fractures (direct trauma) and condylar fractures (indirect trauma). CONCLUSIONS: An association between facial lacerations and underlying maxillofacial fractures was observed, particularly in the inferior orbital area and over the zygoma, mandible, and chin. Language: en

There is no consensus about the surgical treatment of odontogenic myxoma. The aim of the current study was to present our experience and discuss the surgical management and outcome in 10 patients diagnosed with odontogenic myxoma.A retrospective review of charts of patients who were surgically treated for odontogenic myxoma was performed. Patients were recalled, and eventual recurrences were investigated.Eight lesions were mandibular, whereas 2 were maxillary. In 3 patients, enucleation and curettage was performed. Instead, in the remaining 7 patients, segmental resection and immediate reconstruction were decided. At follow-up, no patient showed recurrence of the lesion.Our protocol is to perform conservative surgery by enucleation and curettage when lesions were smaller than 3 cm, whereas a segmental resection with immediate reconstruction is preferred in patients affected by bigger tumors. Long-term follow-up is required, in particular when conservative surgery is preferred.

The aim of this study was to report our experience in treating patients affected by spreading odontogenic infections and to discuss their management and outcome.Demographic and clinical information was collected from hospitalized patient records. Decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index was calculated for 45 randomly selected patients. Statistical analysis was used to search for associations among multiple variables.Statistical analysis of the variance by univariate test found significant associations between a longer hospital stay and patients30 years old (P.05) and patients with the presenting symptoms of dysphagia and/or dyspnea (P.05). Statistical analysis using Fisher exact test found significant associations between patients with a DMFT index10 and female patients (P.05), patients30 years old (P.005), and a hospital stay4 days (P.0005).Rapid resolution of the infection was appreciated when removal of the cause, drainage of the infection, and intravenous antibiotics were performed.

Summary Introduction Epidemiological characteristics of maxillofacial injuries are typically reported for male patients, as males represent 70% of the studied population. This retrospective study analysed the aetiology and patterns of maxillofacial fractures in female patients only. Material and methods A total of 367 female patients, examined between 2001 and 2008, were divided into three age groups ( 60 years). Data were collected on aetiology, fracture site, associated lesions, type of treatment, and length of hospital stay. Results The typical female patient presented a mean age of 43 and 25% were over 60 years of age. Falls were the most frequent cause of maxillofacial trauma (43%), followed by motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) (38.7%), assaults (9.3%), sports accidents (6.3%), and other causes (2.7%). The middle third of the face was most frequently affected (53.9%). Associated fractures, mostly orthopaedic and secondary to MVAs, occurred in 23.2% of cases. The over-60 age group had the greatest number of non-operated fractures (27.9%) and the longest mean hospital stay (5.7 days). Conclusions This study considered only the female population, thereby highlighting epidemiological characteristics of maxillofacial trauma not apparent in the existing literature. Clear distinctions between genders are important for better comparison of data in the future.

The current study evaluated the success and the possible complication of intermaxillary fixation with self-tapping and self-drilling screws (STSDSs) in nondislocated or slightly dislocated mandibular fractures.Forty patients with mandibular fractures, treated with intermaxillary fixation using STSDSs, were clinically assessed by means of a dental vitality test and evaluation of tooth mobility adjacent to the cortical screw holes, and radiologically by means of a panoramic dental radiograph upon removal of the screws.The main complication was screw loss in 4.4% of cases, followed by coverage by oral mucosa in 1.2% of cases. However, no dental root damage, screw breakage, malocclusion, or poor consolidation of mandibular fractures was observed.The use of STSDSs for intermaxillary fixation is a useful alternative to the use of arch bars in the treatment of some types of mandibular fractures. In addition, there is no risk of dental lesions as with self-tapping screws.

Although cervical spine injury is rarely associated with maxillofacial trauma, it should be suspected when injuries above the clavicle occur, as suggested in the Advanced Trauma Life Support Manual. A retrospective study of 2482 patients with maxillofacial trauma, who were admitted to the Maxillofacial Surgical Division of Turin University between 1996 and 2006, conducted to identify concomitant fractures of the cervical spine and establish a treatment protocol. Twenty-one patients (0.8%), consisting of 17 males and four females ranging in age from 15 to 70 years, had amyelic cervical spine fractures. In 90% of the cases, the cervical spine injury was caused by a road accident. Cervical spine injuries were diagnosed using lateral x-rays in three cases and with computed tomography in the remaining patients. Although an association has been reported between mandibular fracture and cervical spine injury, we did not observe a preferential association between injuries of the upper third of the face and spinal injury. Cervical spine immobilization should never be removed until cervical spine injury has been excluded using a lateral x-ray of the cervical spine. In males with significant blunt craniomaxillofacial trauma caused by high-energy impact accidents such as car and motorcycle accidents, computed tomography is the radiologic examination of first choice to exclude cervical spine injuries. Lastly, the presence of a cervical spine injury did not result in modified or delayed treatment of maxillofacial fractures, with the exception of one patient who had a fracture of the odontoid process.

Purpose Through a 10-year retrospective study, we report our experience in the management of descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM), a rare and often lethal complication of odontogenic and oropharyngeal infections. Patients and Methods We reassessed 23 patients between the ages of 16 and 69 years (mean, 49 years) seen between 1996 and 2005, with DNM secondary to odontogenic abscess or phlegmon in 9 cases or secondary to peritonsillar abscess in 14 cases. In this study, 48% of the patients had immune system disorders, mainly diabetes mellitus (6 patients). The diagnosis of DNM was confirmed by cervicothoracic computed tomography. Results Eight patients underwent a bilateral collar cervicotomy, and 15 underwent a combined cervicothoracic approach. Five, 2, 1, and 1 patients underwent surgery 2, 3, 4, and 5 times, respectively. Seven patients died as a result of septic shock and multiorgan failure, for a mortality rate of 30.4%. Four of those who died had a compromised immune system. Conclusion The relatively high mortality rate seen in this study shows that, in addition to early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, it is important to give greater attention to and be more medically and surgically aggressive in the management of patients whose immune system is compromised in any way.

Purpose The authors report the 2-year experience of use of the PATATRAC telemedicine system in managing maxillofacial trauma. Materials and Methods Thirty-five regional hospitals on-line with PATATRAC in the period from January 2002–January 2004 have sent 18 consultations (11 men and 7 women) to the Maxillofacial Surgery Division of San Giovanni Battista Hospital in Turin for telemedicine evaluation of patients with maxillofacial trauma. Results Only 50% of the consultations (9 patients) sent via PATATRAC indicated maxillofacial treatment, and only one case resulted in immediate transfer. Of the remaining 8 transfers, 2 patients were transferred after treatment of associated lesions in the receiving hospital, and the other 6 patients were transferred as scheduled based on the availability of beds in the specialist center. Conclusions The results obtained, despite the poor number of telemedicine maxillofacial consultations, have mainly proved the usefulness of PATATRAC in drastically reducing expensive and unnecessary transfers of maxillofacial patients, without indications for either immediate or deferred treatment, thus also avoiding discomfort to the patient with other injuries.

Interest in the psychiatric consequences of trauma and the subsequent surgical intervention has been increasing steadily; therefore, the authors assessed the prevalence of acute symptoms of stress in patients who experienced a craniomaxillofacial injury. Fifty patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years were evaluated and assigned a score using the Injury Severity Scale (ISS). Within 48 hours of surgery (T0) and at 3 months after surgery (T1), the authors administered the Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS) to assess post-traumatic symptoms, Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to assess symptoms of anxiety, and Zung's Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) to assess depressive symptoms. Of the subjects, 44% (22 patients at T0) had acute symptoms of stress, and 26% (13 patients at T1) had post-traumatic stress symptoms. The statistical association between demographic variables was significant only for gender, especially for women. There was a significant correlation between the psychopathologic variables and trauma-specific symptoms at both T0 and T1; the same was true for the ISS at T0. Eight of the 13 patients with positive DTS results at 3 months had aesthetic and functional sequelae that might have served as reminders of the traumatic event. It is not only necessary to restitutio ad integrum the anatomy and function, but also to provide psychiatric support for patients experiencing psychiatric symptoms caused by traumatic events.

Purpose: This article gives a general description of the incidence, causes, and complexity of maxillofacial fractures in the elderly and discusses whether modification is required in assessment, surgical indications, and techniques in such cases. Patients and Methods: A retrospective clinical and radiologic study evaluated 222 patients older than 60 years of age (mean age, 70.3) hospitalized with maxillofacial trauma over the period 1987 to 1996 in the Division of Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Turin. The patients were classified according to the following parameters: age, cause of injury, site of trauma, presence of associated fractures, pertinent medical history, type of treatment, length of hospitalization, and complications. The data were compared with those from a control group consisting of 178 adult patients younger than 60 years of age. Results: The presence of a preexisting systemic pathologic condition was the most important factor in determining hospitalization time, which was greater than in the control group. In 89 patients (40.1%), no treatment was considered necessary, whereas 133 patients (59.9%) were treated by surgery. In 115 patients (86.5%), the fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation, whereas closed reduction was used in 18 patients (13.5%). There were complications with six patients (2.7%), and one died in the hospital. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest that surgical intervention is less frequently indicated in facial trauma of the elderly because of physiologic, psychologic, and social changes brought on by the aging process. The principles of treatment, the results, and the complications do not differ greatly in this group when compared with the normal adult population.