Immediate single-stage reconstruction of complex frontofaciobasal injuries: Part II

The purpose of this prospective study was to identify selection criteria for immediate single-stage reconstruction in patients with severe complex craniofacial trauma to improve their functional outcome and reduce complications.

In this series, 24 new patients (16 men and 8 women) were added to our previous group (26 patients) with an age range from 10 to 55 years with mean of 26 years and Glasgow Coma Scale scores of 5-13; all patients had a combined single-stage repair of their complex craniofacial injuries within 6 h of their admission. We added some modifications to our standard technique using three-dimensional computed tomography, intracranial pressure monitoring, and support of dural repair/graft using dural patch and glue. The esthetic facial outcome was evaluated by an independent plastic assessor based on objective scale criteria. This series was carried out in Prince Salman Military Hospital between November 2010 and September 2013.

Early neurosurgical outcome was considered good in 22/24 patients (92%), moderate in one patient (4%), and poor in the last one (4%). At late evaluation, 20 cases (83%) regained their consciousness without any cognitive deficit. One patient (4%) remained in neurovegetative status. Early esthetic outcome was considered to be excellent in 18/24 patients (75%), good in 3 patients (12.5%), deemed fair in 2 patients (8%), and labeled poor in only 1 patient (4%). At late evaluation, the patient labeled fair had improved to good with topical scar management and the patient deemed poor had improved to fair with two successive plastic procedures. Complications included a cerebrospinal fluid leak in 2 patients (8%), one was managed conservatively and the second was treated surgically with intra- and extradural grafting.

In complex frontofaciobasal injuries, successful facial repair depends on immediate and definitive reconstruction. However, improved neurological outcomes in these patients depend on judicious selection of the appropriate candidates from severely head-injured patients.