Search Results (3)

Study Design: A retrospective study. Objective: The Markowitz-Manson classification system categorizes nasoorbitoethmoid (NOE) fractures by severity of injury and remaining integrity of the medial canthal tendon. However, this system does not account for direction of bony displacement (in-fracture vs out-fracture), which can greatly affect symptomatology and management. We hypothesize that NOE fractures will present differently based upon their severity: Type I injuries are likely to present with medial nasal bone displacement (in-fracture), whereas Type III fractures will be more prone to lateral displacement (out-fracture). Methods: A retrospective review was performed for all patients with NOE fractures who were evaluated by the plastic surgery department at a level 1 trauma center over a 6-year period. Computed tomography data were evaluated to assess for directionality of fracture segment displacement. Frequencies of medial, lateral, and non-displacement across NOE types were compared by Chi-Squared Goodness of Fit and Fisher’s Exact Tests. Results: 111 patients met inclusion criteria. The patient population was 73.9% male and averaged 51.2 years old. When bilateral fractures were counted independently, there were 141 cases in total: 115 Type I, 20 Type II, and 6 Type III. Type I fractures were most commonly in-fractured (48.7%), while Type III injuries were consistently out-fractured (100%) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: While Type II and III NOE fractures have dominated clinical focus, this study highlights the prevalence of impaction within Type I fractures. These findings advocate for a more comprehensive approach to the evaluation of Type I NOE fractures and their potential risks, including traumatic hypotelorism and nasal airway obstruction. Full article

Study Design: A case report. Objective: To describe a modification of percutaneous reduction of frontal sinus and/or naso-orbito-ethmoid (NOE) fractures, adding an endonasal intercartilaginous incision to provide a second vector of manipulation. Methods: Case report with particular attention paid to surgical technique, followed by a brief review of relevant literature. Results: Technique: A Carroll-Girard screw is used to engage the thickest part of the anterior wall of the frontal bone through a stab incision just superior to the frontonasal junction. An endonasal intercartilaginous incision is then made and a Cottle elevator is introduced to manipulate the fracture from the inferior aspect of the frontonasal junction. The percutaneous screw and the endonasal elevator provide perpendicular vectors for manipulation, thereby improving ability to reduce fractures when percutaneous traction alone is not successful. The technique is described here in a patient with anterior table frontal sinus fractures combined with posteriorly displaced Markowitz type 1 NOE fractures. Conclusion: While percutaneous reduction of frontal sinus fractures has been previously described, this report adds a subtle but important modification both in indication and technique for optimizing reduction while maintaining surgical simplicity and minimizing morbidity. Full article

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. Full article