Modern surgical treatment of complex facial fractures: a 6-year review

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with refined titanium plates and screws have revolutionized the surgical treatment of complex facial fractures, but its outcome remains relatively unknown. The purpose of this study is to review the results of modern surgical treatment of complex facial fractures involving at least two of the three zones of the face. From 1996 to 2002, 54 consecutive patients (41 males, 13 females; age 5-74 years) with complex facial fractures were treated by the plastic surgery service in our institution. All patients had their fractures repaired within 10 days after injury. ORIF of the fractures was performed through standard surgical approaches for the upper, middle, or lower face in a preferred sequence. Multiple rigid fixations were completed with current titanium plates and screws. Postoperative functional problems, residual cosmetic deformities, and reoperations for any complications in each patient were evaluated. All patients have been followed for up to 5 years. Overall, of the 54 consecutive patients in this study, 8 (14.8%) patients had postoperative functional problems, and 7 (13.0%) developed variable postoperative cosmetic deformities. Only nine (16.7%) patients underwent a subsequent reoperation for correction of the functional or cosmetic concern. Thus, we believe that modern surgical treatment of complex facial fractures by way of open treatment and rigid fixation with refined titanium plates and screws has resulted in overall good to excellent outcomes and a relatively low postoperative complication rate.