Facial Reconstriction And Trauma Flashcards
What factors determine the degree of damage in craniofacial injuries?
Low velocity vs. high velocity injuries
The velocity of the injury affects the extent of damage to facial structures.
What are common symptoms associated with fractures?
Bruising, swelling, tenderness, loss of function
Fractures can lead to visible signs and functional impairments.
How long can management of most facial injuries wait before requiring ORIF?
Approximately 5 days for swelling to decrease
ORIF stands for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation.
What protocol should be followed for the approach to facial injuries?
ATLS protocol
Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocol is essential for assessing injuries.
What clinical assessments are necessary for facial injuries?
Inspect, palpate, clinical assessment for injury to underlying structures
This includes assessing for facial nerve damage, bony injuries, ocular involvement and septal hematoma
What is a key consideration for patients with major facial injuries?
Tetanus prophylaxis
Patients at risk for infection may require preventive measures.
What is the gold standard for radiological evaluation of facial injuries?
CT scan
A CT scan is the preferred imaging method for assessing facial fractures.
What specific CT scan parameters are indicated for facial injuries?
Fine cuts of 1.5 mm through the orbit
This provides detailed imaging for accurate diagnosis.
What should be done for wound management in facial injuries?
Wound irrigation with NS/RL and remove foreign materials
Normal Saline (NS) or Ringer’s Lactate (RL) solutions are used for irrigation.
What type of tissue management is recommended for detached or nonviable tissue?
Conservative debridement
This approach minimizes further tissue damage while cleaning the wound.
When should lacerations be repaired in facial injuries?
At the time of presentation when the patient’s general condition allows
Timely repair can prevent complications and improve outcomes.
What type of trauma should be considered in facial injuries?
Intracranial trauma
It’s important to rule out (head fractures).
What are the signs of a basal skull fracture?
Battle’s sign, Hemotympanum, Raccoon eyes, CF otorrhea/rhinorrhea
These signs indicate serious trauma and require immediate attention.
What are the treatment goals for facial injuries?
Re-establish normal occlusion, normal eye function, re-establish facial height and width
These goals aim to restore function and appearance.
What types of consultations may be indicated for facial injuries?
Dentistry, ophthalmology, neurosurgery
Multidisciplinary teams may be required for comprehensive care.
Fill in the blank: The management of craniofacial injuries generally involves a wait period of ______ before surgical intervention.
5 days
Allowing time for swelling to decrease can improve surgical outcomes.
What is a common feature of mandibular fractures due to its structure?
Mandibular fractures often occur at two points of injury because it is a ring structure.
Where are mandibular fractures commonly located?
At sites of weakness such as the condylar neck and angle of the mandible.
What type of force typically causes bilateral fractures of the mandible?
Anterior force.
What type of force typically causes ipsilateral subcondylar and contralateral angle or body fractures?
Lateral force.
How is a fracture classified as open?
If it extends into the tooth-bearing area (alveolus).
What are common clinical features of mandibular fractures?
- Pain
- Swelling
- Difficulty opening mouth (trismus)
- Malocclusion
- Asymmetry of dental arch
- Damaged, loose, or lost teeth
- Palpable ‘step’ along mandible
- Numbness in CN V3 distribution
- Intra-oral lacerations or hematoma (sublingual)
- Chin deviating toward side of a fractured condyle
What is the anatomical boundary of the Symphysis in the mandible?
Midline of the mandible; between the central incisors from the alveolar process through the inferior border of the mandible.
What defines the Body of the mandible?
From the symphysis to the distal alveolar border of the third molar.
What characterizes the Angle region of the mandible?
Triangular region between the anterior border of the masseter and the posterosuperior insertion of the masseter distal to the third molar.
What is the Ramus in the context of the mandible?
Part of the mandible that extends posterosuperiorly into the condylar and coronoid processes.
What area does the Condylar region of the mandible refer to?
Area of the condylar process of the mandible.
Define the Subcondylar area of the mandible.
Area below the condylar neck (i.e. sigmoid notch) of the mandible.
What is the Coronoid Process in the mandible?
Area of the coronoid process of the mandible.
What is the most common type of mandibular fracture?
The condylar fracture.
What is one method of treatment for mandibular fractures?
Maxillary and mandibular arch bars wired together (intermaxillary fixation) or ORIF.
When should treatment for mandibular fractures ideally be managed?
Within 48 hours.
What is the recommended antibiotic protocol for mandibular fractures?
Antibiotics from initial presentation until at least 3 doses postoperatively; consider extended course for late presentation.
Why is timing crucial in facial reconstruction after trauma?
To prevent secondary traumatic brain injury (TBI)
A second TBI can occur if there’s additional trauma or instability affecting the brain after the initial injury.
What must happen before facial reconstruction can proceed?
The patient must be cleared by the trauma team
This ensures that life-threatening injuries or urgent medical issues have been addressed.
What is the advised approach regarding immediate surgery after trauma?
Wait, don’t rush to surgery
Immediate surgery may not be beneficial if the patient has other injuries or isn’t stable.
What complication can arise from administering anesthesia too soon?
Hypotension (a drop in blood pressure)
Hypotension can worsen brain injuries and lead to poor oxygenation in tissues.
What are the properties of titanium plates used in facial reconstruction?
Strength, durability, and compatibility with human tissues
Titanium plates are lightweight and cause minimal interference with imaging.
Titanium plates are commonly used in facial reconstruction.
minimal interference with imaging (e.g., MRI), making it a preferred material for permanent fixation.
These plates provide strong support for facial bones and are used to hold fractured segments in place, promoting healing and maintaining facial structure.
What is the advantage of using bioabsorbable materials in facial reconstruction?
They eliminate the need for a second surgery to remove them
They degrade safely within the body, providing temporary stabilization.
They are particularly useful in pediatric patients or in cases where permanent fixation may not be necessary.
What role do screws play in operative fixation for facial reconstruction?
They provide additional stability and maintain correct alignment of bone segments
Both titanium and bioabsorbable screws are available based on patient needs.
Fill in the blank: The emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach in trauma includes _______.
the trauma team evaluating and clearing the patient
True or False: Titanium plates interfere significantly with imaging techniques like MRI.
False
Titanium plates cause minimal interference with imaging.
List the materials commonly used in operative fixation for facial reconstruction.
- Metallic Plates (Titanium)
- Bioabsorbable Materials
- Screws
What is a potential risk of performing surgery too quickly after a traumatic injury?
Worsening of the patient’s condition due to secondary injuries
Secondary injuries are a major risk factor for worsening outcomes.
What are Le Fort I fractures?
Horizontal fractures of the maxilla that separate the teeth from the upper facial bones
Le Fort I fractures are classified as low-level fractures and are often associated with trauma to the midface.
What characterizes Le Fort III fractures?
Fractures that involve the craniofacial dysjunction, separating the maxilla from the skull
Le Fort III fractures are also known as craniofacial fractures and are typically more severe than Le Fort I fractures.
What is the primary mechanism of injury for Le Fort fractures?
High-energy trauma, such as vehicular accidents or assaults
These fractures often result from significant force applied to the face.
Fill in the blank: Le Fort fractures are classified into three types: Le Fort I, Le Fort II, and _______.
Le Fort III
True or False: Le Fort II fractures involve a pyramidal shape and include the nasal bones.
True
Le Fort II fractures are often described as a pyramidal fracture pattern and typically involve the nasal bones.
What is the clinical significance of Le Fort fractures?
They require careful assessment and management to prevent complications like airway obstruction and facial deformities
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for optimal recovery.
List the types of Le Fort fractures.
- Le Fort I
- Le Fort II
- Le Fort III
What type of fracture is characterized by a horizontal cut through the maxilla?
Le Fort I fracture
Le Fort II fractures are also known as _______.
Pyramidal fractures
What type of imaging is commonly used to diagnose Le Fort fractures?
CT scans or X-rays
These imaging techniques help visualize the extent and pattern of fractures.