Fracture Healing
Hip Fractures
Etiology and pattern of zygomatic complex fractures: a retrospective study. (1/17)
PURPOSE: To document the etiology and clinical data of patients with fractures of the zygomatic complex seen in two university teaching hospitals in Nigeria and to compare the findings with other studies in the literature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A six-year retrospective study involving 134 patients with zygomatic complex fractures. These patients were selected from a pool of 960 patients who sustained maxillofacial fractures during the period under review. Recorded were demographic, etiologic and clinical data as well as radiologic findings, treatment and postoperative complications. The Chi-squared test was used to test for significance and p values < 0.05 were regarded as significant. RESULTS: 76.1% were males and 23.9% females. Most (46.3%) patients were aged 21-30 years and road traffic accidents (82.1%) caused the most injuries (p < 0.05). Regarding the site of fracture, 88.8% of the patients had fractures of the zygomatic bone, 8.2% had fractures of the arch, and 3.0% had fractures of both the zygomatic bone and arch. The most frequently associated maxillofacial fracture was mandibular (21.0%). The commonest clinical feature was subconjunctival ecchymosis (63.4%), while the commonest radiologic findings were fractures at the zygomatico-frontal and zygomatico-maxillary sutures (38.8%). The Gillies approach (23.4%) was the commonest method of reduction. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that road traffic accidents are responsible for most zygomatic complex fractures in our environment. Urgent enforcement of road traffic legislation is therefore necessary to minimize zygomatic complex fractures due to road traffic accidents. It also showed a low utilization of technological advances in the imaging and treatment of these fractures. These may play a role in the frequency of postoperative complications. (+info)Management of facial trauma in children: A case report. (2/17)
Children are uniquely susceptible to cranio facial trauma because of their greater cranial mass to body ratio. Below the age of 5, the incidence of pediatric facial fractures in relation to the total is very low ranging from 0.6-1.2%. Maxillo-facial injuries may be quite dramatic causing parents to panic and the child to cry uncontrollably with blood, tooth and soft tissue debris in the mouth. The facial disfigurement caused by trauma can have a deep psychological impact on the tender minds of young children and their parents. This case report documents the trauma and follow up care of a 4-year-old patient with maxillofacial injuries. (+info)Single transconjunctival incision and two-point fixation for the treatment of noncomminuted zygomatic complex fracture. (3/17)
The ultimate goal in treating zygomatic complex fracture is to obtain an accurate, stable reduction while minimizing external scars and functional deformity. The present authors present our experiences with a single transconjunctival incision and two-point (inferior orbital rim and frontozygomatic suture) fixation in 53 patients with zygomatic complex fracture which were not comminuted. All patients had transconjunctival approaches with lateral canthal extensions, and six out of 53 patients also had an additional small (about less than 2 cm) gingivobuccal incision to achieve an accurate reduction. There were 3 minor complications, and the overall esthetics and functional results were satisfactory with a long term follow-up. Our method has the following advantages in the reduction of zygomatic complex fracture; It leaves only an inconspicuous lateral canthal scar. In addition, it provides excellent simultaneous visualization of the inferior orbital rim and frontozygomatic suture area. Hence, two point fixation through a single incision can be performed with a satisfactory stability. (+info)Kirschner wire as a guide to secondary reconstruction of the deformities of the zygoma. A technical note. (4/17)
Mistreated fractures of the zygomatic complex may result in facial enlargement, loss of zygomatic projection, increase of orbitary volume, diplopy, enophthalmy, neuropraxy of the infraorbitary nerve and limited mouth opening. Hence, the treatment of sequelae demands accurate planning, through approaches that evaluate the degree of the existing displacement, bone repositioning and the need of grafts. Surgery is difficult due to lack of anatomical references as guides for bone repositioning. Some techniques have been described in the literature as alternatives for evaluating the degree of bone displacement and necessary correction. We believe that a greater number of anatomical references may contribute to a better final result. The aim of this paper is to present a simple technique using three Kirschner wires as spacial parameters-guides that aid secondary reconstructions of fractures of the zygomatic complex. After osteotomy, it becomes possible to compare and transfer the measures of the non-affected bone for re-establishing an adequate anatomical position for the affected side. This approach is proposed as a useful tool for obtaining 3-D references, helping to obtain a better bone positioning. (+info)Maxillofacial injuries in a group of Brazilian subjects under 18 years of age. (5/17)
(+info)Analysis of 185 maxillofacial fractures in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. (6/17)
(+info)Comparison of ultrasonography with submentovertex films and computed tomography scan in the diagnosis of zygomatic arch fractures. (7/17)
(+info)Reconstruction of bony facial contour deficiencies with polymethylmethacrylate implants: case report. (8/17)
(+info)Zygomatic fractures, also known as "tripod fractures" or "malar fractures," refer to breaks in the zygomatic bone, which is the cheekbone. This type of facial fracture typically occurs due to significant trauma, such as a forceful blow to the face during sports injuries, traffic accidents, or physical assaults.
In zygomatic fractures, the bone can be displaced or depressed, leading to various symptoms, including:
* Facial asymmetry or flattening of the cheek area
* Bruising and swelling around the eyes (periorbital ecchymosis) and cheeks
* Diplopia (double vision) due to muscle entrapment or trauma to the eye muscles
* Subconjunctival hemorrhage (bleeding in the white part of the eye)
* Trismus (difficulty opening the mouth) due to muscle spasms or injury to the temporomandibular joint
* Numbness or altered sensation in the upper lip, cheek, or side of the nose
Diagnosis is usually made through a combination of physical examination and imaging techniques like X-rays, CT scans, or MRI. Treatment typically involves closed reduction (manipulation without surgery) or open reduction with internal fixation (surgical reconstruction using plates and screws). The primary goal of treatment is to restore the facial structure's integrity, symmetry, and function while minimizing complications and promoting optimal healing.
A bone fracture is a medical condition in which there is a partial or complete break in the continuity of a bone due to external or internal forces. Fractures can occur in any bone in the body and can vary in severity from a small crack to a shattered bone. The symptoms of a bone fracture typically include pain, swelling, bruising, deformity, and difficulty moving the affected limb. Treatment for a bone fracture may involve immobilization with a cast or splint, surgery to realign and stabilize the bone, or medication to manage pain and prevent infection. The specific treatment approach will depend on the location, type, and severity of the fracture.
Fracture healing is the natural process by which a broken bone repairs itself. When a fracture occurs, the body responds by initiating a series of biological and cellular events aimed at restoring the structural integrity of the bone. This process involves the formation of a hematoma (a collection of blood) around the fracture site, followed by the activation of inflammatory cells that help to clean up debris and prepare the area for repair.
Over time, specialized cells called osteoblasts begin to lay down new bone matrix, or osteoid, along the edges of the broken bone ends. This osteoid eventually hardens into new bone tissue, forming a bridge between the fracture fragments. As this process continues, the callus (a mass of newly formed bone and connective tissue) gradually becomes stronger and more compact, eventually remodeling itself into a solid, unbroken bone.
The entire process of fracture healing can take several weeks to several months, depending on factors such as the severity of the injury, the patient's age and overall health, and the location of the fracture. In some cases, medical intervention may be necessary to help promote healing or ensure proper alignment of the bone fragments. This may include the use of casts, braces, or surgical implants such as plates, screws, or rods.
A hip fracture is a medical condition referring to a break in the upper part of the femur (thigh) bone, which forms the hip joint. The majority of hip fractures occur due to falls or direct trauma to the area. They are more common in older adults, particularly those with osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them more prone to breaking. Hip fractures can significantly impact mobility and quality of life, often requiring surgical intervention and rehabilitation.
A femoral fracture is a medical term that refers to a break in the thigh bone, which is the longest and strongest bone in the human body. The femur extends from the hip joint to the knee joint and is responsible for supporting the weight of the upper body and allowing movement of the lower extremity. Femoral fractures can occur due to various reasons such as high-energy trauma, low-energy trauma in individuals with weak bones (osteoporosis), or as a result of a direct blow to the thigh.
Femoral fractures can be classified into different types based on their location, pattern, and severity. Some common types of femoral fractures include:
1. Transverse fracture: A break that occurs straight across the bone.
2. Oblique fracture: A break that occurs at an angle across the bone.
3. Spiral fracture: A break that occurs in a helical pattern around the bone.
4. Comminuted fracture: A break that results in multiple fragments of the bone.
5. Open or compound fracture: A break in which the bone pierces through the skin.
6. Closed or simple fracture: A break in which the bone does not pierce through the skin.
Femoral fractures can cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected leg. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, medical history, and imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans. Treatment may involve surgical intervention, including the use of metal rods, plates, or screws to stabilize the bone, followed by rehabilitation and physical therapy to restore mobility and strength.
A spinal fracture, also known as a vertebral compression fracture, is a break in one or more bones (vertebrae) of the spine. This type of fracture often occurs due to weakened bones caused by osteoporosis, but it can also result from trauma such as a car accident or a fall.
In a spinal fracture, the front part of the vertebra collapses, causing the height of the vertebra to decrease, while the back part of the vertebra remains intact. This results in a wedge-shaped deformity of the vertebra. Multiple fractures can lead to a hunched forward posture known as kyphosis or dowager's hump.
Spinal fractures can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the back, legs, or arms, depending on the location and severity of the fracture. In some cases, spinal cord compression may occur, leading to more severe symptoms such as paralysis or loss of bladder and bowel control.
Fracture fixation, internal, is a surgical procedure where a fractured bone is fixed using metal devices such as plates, screws, or rods that are implanted inside the body. This technique helps to maintain the alignment and stability of the broken bone while it heals. The implants may be temporarily or permanently left inside the body, depending on the nature and severity of the fracture. Internal fixation allows for early mobilization and rehabilitation, which can result in a faster recovery and improved functional outcome.