Le Fort I osteotomy combined with endoscopic assistance for treatment of compound fracture of maxilla, zygoma, and orbital floor.

PURPOSE: The traditional surgery to reconstruct the compound fracture of the zygoma, maxilla, and orbital floor was usually open reduction and internal fixation using miniplate, and surgeons now can perform the endoscopic repair of relatively simple zygoma or orbital blowout fracture. In this study, we try to reconstruct midfacial complex fracture by combined application of intraoral approach and endoscopic-assisted minimally invasive method.

METHODS

Six patients with traumatic midfacial fracture, including maxilla, zygoma, and orbital floor fracture, were selected. Intraoral Le Fort I osteotomy approach and endoscopic-assisted minimally invasive method were combined and applied to treat this complex midfacial fracture.

RESULTS

The intraoral incision combined with endoscope offered suitable approach for reduction and fixation of fractured zygoma. The Le Fort I osteotomy could help to effectively reduce the fractured maxilla and offered useful operative approach for endoscope. The endoscope combined with a balloon catheter could successfully reconstruct the orbital floor fracture, and no intraoperative complications were encountered. The balloon catheter was removed 4 to 8 weeks after operation and did not lead to infection and obviously disrupt the healing of bone segments. The postoperative eye and occlusion function, evaluated by clinical examination, was satisfactory at 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there are some limitations and strict indications, the advantages of this method may offer alternative choice for reconstruction of compound midfacial fracture.