Treatment Options in Maxillofacial Fractures

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Craniofacial Surgery

Background:

• Facial trauma is a significant concern, with panfacial fractures presenting complex reconstructive challenges.
• From 2000-2010, 58 patients with panfacial fractures were treated at Argerich Hospital.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of craniofacial surgical techniques for treating panfacial fractures.
• To assess the efficacy of rigid fixation and autografts in achieving aesthetic and functional facial reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 58 patients with panfacial fractures.
• Treatment involved airway evaluation, bleeding control, management of associated injuries, and facial reconstruction using titanium plates and bone autografts (iliac crest, calvary, costal).
• Standard surgical approaches like coronal and subciliar palpebral were employed.

Main Results:

• 85% (48/58) of reconstructions were deemed acceptable in form and harmony.
• 15% (9/58) had unacceptable results.
• Postoperative complications occurred in 18 patients.

Conclusions:

• Internal rigid fixation and bone autografts are crucial for optimal aesthetic and functional results in panfacial fracture repair.
• The primary goal of treatment should be the restoration of the face's three-dimensional structure and pre-trauma aesthetic and functional state.