• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.52 no.6
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• pp.528-533
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• 2012

Objective : In the pediatric population the skull has not yet undergone ossification and it is assumed that the diagnostic rate of skull fractures by simple X-rays are lower than that of adults. It has been recently proposed that the diagnostic rates of skull fractures by 3-dimensional computer tomography (3D-CT) are higher than simple X-rays. The authors therefore attempted to compare the diagnostic rates of pediatric skull fractures by simple X-rays and 3D-CTs with respect to the type of fracture. Methods : One-hundred patients aged less than 12 years who visited the Emergency Center for cranial injury were subject to simple X-rays and 3D-CTs. The type and location of the fractures were compared and Kappa statistical analysis and the t-test were conducted. Results : Among the 100 pediatric patients, 65 were male and 35 were female. The mean age was $50{\pm}45$ months. 63 patients had simple skull fractures and 22 had complex fractures, and the types of fractures were linear fractures in 74, diastatic fractures 15, depressed fractures in 10, penetrating fracture in 1, and greenstick fractures in 3 patients. Statistical difference was observed for the predictive value of simple skull fractures' diagnostic rate depending on the method for diagnosis. A significant difference of the Kappa value was noted in the diagnosis of depressed skull fractures and diastatic skull fractures. Conclusion : In the majority of pediatric skull fractures, 3D-CT showed superior diagnosis rates compared to simple skull X-rays and therefore 3D-CT is recommended whenever skull fractures are suspected. This is especially true for depressed skull fractures and diastatic skull fractures.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.18-23
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• 2009

Purpose: In this study, we retrospectively investigated the medical records of patients with facial fractures and suspected cranial injuries in order to determine if there was any relationship between various facial fracture patterns and cranial injuries. Methods: Medical records were reviewed to identify patients diagnosed with facial fractures who underwent cranial computed tomography (CT) scans. Records were reviewed for gender, age, injury mechanism, facial fracture pattern, and presence or absence of cranial injuries. Facial fracture patterns were classified as isolated fractures (tripod, zygomatic arch, maxilla, orbit, and mandible), combined fractures, or total fractures. Cranial injuries included skull fractures, traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhages, subdural hemorrhages, epidural hemorrhages, and contusional hemorrhages. All cranial injuries were established by using cranial CT scans, and these kinds of cranial injuries were defined radiologically-proven cranial injuries (RPCIs). We evaluated the relationship between each pattern of facial fractures and the incidence of RPCIs. Results: Of 132 eligible patients with facial fractures who underwent cranial CT scans, a total of 27 (20.5%) patients had RPCIs associated with facial fractures. Falls and slips were the most common causes of the fractures (31.8%), followed by assaults and motor vehicle accidents (MVAs). One hundred one (76.5%) patients had isolated facial fractures, and 31 (23.5%) patients had combined facial fractures. Fractures were found most commonly in the orbital and maxillary bones. Patients with isolated maxillary fractures had a lower incidence of RPCIs than those with total mandibular fractures. RPCIs frequently accompanied combined facial fractures. Conclusion: Combined facial fractures had a significant positive correlation with RPCIs. This means that facial fractures caused by stronger or multidirectional external force are likely to be accompanied by cranial injuries.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.43-47
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• 2011

Purpose: Sensory impairment in infraorbital nerve is common symptom following mid-facial fractures. The purpose of this study is to document the incidence of sensory impairment in infraorbital nerve following midfacial fractures and its recovery. Methods: Three hundreds fourteen patients with midfacial fracture were included involving emergence areas of infraorbital nerve. Fractures were classified into zygoma fracture, maxilla fracture, complex comminuted fracture and pure blow out fracture. Neurosensory function was assessed with clinical symptoms and light touch test in infraorbital nerve regions. Patients were followed and sensory function was evaluated immediately, 1, 3 and 6 months after trauma. Results: The total series consisted of 198 zygoma fractures, 19 maxilla fractures, 30 complex comminuted fractures and 67 pure blow out fractures. The incidence of sensory impairment was 60% (63% in zygoma fractures, 84% in maxilla fractures, 93% in complex comminuted fractures, 31% in pure blow out fractures). Persistent sensory impairments were remained in 32% (33% in zygoma fractures, 47% in maxilla fractures, 73% in complex comminuted fractures, 6% in pure blow out fractures) 6 months after trauma. Younger patients had better prognosis than older patients in recovery of infraorbital nerve function ($p$ <0.05, $x^2$-test). Mean recovery time was 11 weeks. Conclusion: The incidence of post-traumatic sensory impairment was different according to fracture types. Age of patients and fracture type were important factors that influence to recovery of sensory impairment. Complex comminuted fracture had poor prognosis, and pure blow out fractures had better prognosis than other fractures.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.167-173
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• 2023

Background: Mandibular split fractures, in which the fracture occurs exclusively in the posterior wall, are uncommon. This study aimed to enhance clinicians' understanding of mandibular split fractures and offer insights for future research. Methods: This study included six patients who visited our hospital between January 2020 and June 2023 and were diagnosed with mandibular split fractures. We retrospectively collected data from patients' medical records on their age, sex, symptoms, mechanism, impact site, associated injuries, and treatment method, as well as the location, pattern, and number of fractures observed on computed tomography (CT) and panoramic images. The frequency of split fractures among all mandibular fractures was calculated. Results: The six patients included three men (50%) and three women (50%), ranging in age from 20 to 71 years (mean age, 49.8 years). The split fractures were located in the symphysis in one patient (16.7%), symphysis to parasymphysis in two patients (33.3%), parasymphysis in one patient (16.7%), and parasymphysis to the body in two patients (33.3%). Four patients (66.7%) had condylar head fractures, while two patients (33.3%) had single split fractures. The mechanism of trauma was a slip-down incident in four cases (66.7%), while two cases (33.3%) were caused by motorcycle traffic accidents. Four patients (67%) underwent intermaxillary fixation, while two patients (33%) improved with conservative treatment. Split fractures were diagnosed in all six patients on CT, whereas the fracture line was not clearly visible on panoramic images. Mandibular split fractures accounted for 5.6% of all mandibular fractures. Conclusion: This study provides insights into the clinical characteristics of rare mandibular split fractures and the diagnostic imaging findings. Furthermore, CT scans and three-dimensional image synthesis-instead of panoramic images-may be essential for accurately diagnosing mandibular fractures, including mandibular split fractures, in the future.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.61 no.2
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• pp.258-266
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• 2018

Objective : The diagnosis of insufficiency fractures of the sacrum in an elder population increases annually. Fractures show very different morphology. We aimed to classify sacral insufficiency fractures according to the position of cortical break and possible need for intervention. Methods : Between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2014, all patients with a proven fracture of the sacrum following a low-energy or an even unnoticed trauma were prospectively registered : 117 females and 13 males. All patients had a computer tomography of the pelvic ring, two patients had a magnetic resonance imaging additionally : localization and involvement of the fracture lines into the sacroiliac joint, neural foramina or the spinal canal were identified. Results : Patients were aged between 46 and 98 years (mean, 79.8 years). Seventy-seven patients had an unilateral fracture of the sacral ala, 41 bilateral ala fractures and 12 patients showed a fracture of the sacral corpus : a total of 171 fractures were analyzed. The first group A included fractures of the sacral ala which were assessed to have no or less mechanical importance (n=53) : fractures with no cortical disruption ("bone bruise") (A1; n=2), cortical deformation of the anterior cortical bone (A2; n=4), and fracture of the anterolateral rim of ala (A3; n=47). Complete fractures of the sacral ala (B; n=106) : parallel to the sacroiliac joint (B1; n=63), into the sacroiliac joint (B2; n=19), and involvement of the sacral foramina respectively the spinal canal (B3; n=24). Central fractures involving the sacral corpus (C; n=12) : fracture limited to the corpus or finishing into one ala (C1; n=3), unidirectional including the neural foramina or the spinal canal or both (C2; n=2), and horizontal fractures of the corpus with bilateral sagittal completion (C3; n=8). Sixty-eight fractures proceeded into the sacroiliac joint, 34 fractures showed an injury of foramina or canal. Conclusion : The new classification allowes the differentiation of fractures of less mechanical importance and a risk assessment for possible polymethyl methacrylate leaks during sacroplasty in the direction of the neurological structures. In addition, identification of instable fractures in need for laminectomy and surgical stabilization is possible.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.50-56
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• 2021

Purpose: Fractures are common in the military population, but limited studies have investigated the incidence of fractures among Korean military personnel. Hence, this study aimed to clarify this issue. Methods: Eligible subjects were patients who had sustained a fracture and were registered in the N-DEMIS (the medical records system of participating hospitals) from June 2017 to May 2019. Fractures were categorized according to the fracture site, patients' age, sex, and type of duty. Results: In total, 23,687 patients with 23,981 fractures were included. There were 216 patients with multiple fractures, of whom 156 had fractures at two sites, 42 had fractures at three sites, and 18 had fractures at four sites. Of the 23,687 patients, 23,340 were men and 347 were women. The incidence of fractures in men and women was 12.96 per 1,000 person-years and 0.19 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. In terms of the broad location of fractures, the percentage of fractures was the highest in the hand, followed by the foot and lower leg. When the location of fractures was analyzed more specifically, the percentage of fractures was the highest in the phalanx (thumb and fingers), followed by the ankle and metacarpal bones. Conclusions: Hand, foot, ankle, and wrist fractures were the most commonly encountered fractures in the Korean military population. To prevent the loss of combat power due to non-battle-related injuries, thorough preparation is necessary, including protective equipment and preliminary training for areas with a high frequency of fracture occurrence.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.269-274
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• 2018

Objectives: The incidence and patterns of mandibular fractures vary by country and population age. This retrospective study evaluated the etiologies and patterns of mandibular fractures in children. Materials and Methods: The clinical records of 89 children (45 males and 44 females) aged 0 to 12 years who presented with mandibular fractures from July 2012 to June 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The sex, patient age, site of fracture, etiology of trauma, and monthly variations of the fractures were recorded. Descriptive statistics, the z-test and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis and the P-value was set at <0.05. Results: Eighty-nine children (male-to-female ratio 1.02:1) sustained 131 mandibular fractures. Within the study sample, the 6 to 9 year age group most frequently experienced fractures (47.3%). Falls and road traffic accidents (RTA) were the two most common etiological factors that accounted for 44.9% and 24.7% of cases. The condylar fracture was the most common anatomical location (38.9%) followed by the angle (20.6%), parasymphysis (18.3%), body (15.3%), and symphysis (5.3%). A single fracture (51.7%) was more common than multiple fractures (48.3%). The month-wise distribution of mandibular fractures was fairly constant. Conclusion: The condylar region was the most common anatomic site for fractures; in addition, a fall and RTA were the major etiological factors for mandibular fractures. A single fracture was observed in 51.7% of patients while multiple fracture lines accounted for 48.3% of cases.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.419-427
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• 1994

Because of the prominence of the nose and its central location, it is the most frequently encountered fractures in the face. Yet reports about the nasal bone fractures are virtually rare in the oral and maxillofacial surgical literatures. This is a retrospective study on 19 nasal bone fractures treated in Chosun university hospital Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery from Jan. 1991 to Sep. 1993, under admission to our Dept. and the obtained results were as follows. 1. Of the 240 patients with facial bone fractures, 28 patients suffered nasal fractures(12%) and male to female ratio was 5.3:1. 2. The most frequent cause was traffic accidents(39%)m, the next fall down(36%), first blow(4%). 3. The age frequency was the highest in the fifth decade (32%). 4. Clinical classification of nasal fractures was simple fractures(74%), combined fractures(26%), and single fractures(37%), combined fractures(63%). 5. The most frequently combined site was maxilla(50%). 6. Treatments of nasal fractures were closed reduction(63%), open reduction(5%), and secondary rhinoplasty(32%). 7. The initial treatment time from accident was 1.7 days in single fractures, and 3.5 days in combined fractures, and the period of splint retained was about 8.2 days in single fracture, about 8.7 in combined fracture. 8. It was necessary to treat secondarily in delayed treatment, and all treatment methods showed relatively good prognosis. 9. Closed reduction was treated under local anesthesia, but open reduction & secondary rhinoplasty was treated under general anesthesia except 1 case. 10. The complications were disturbance of swellings 5 cases, ethetic problem 5 cases, epiphora 3 cases, abnormal sensation 6 cases in relation with other fractures.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.26-32
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• 2005

Purpose: We evaluate the characteristics of vertebral body fractures in two level flexion-distraction injuries of the thoracolumbar spine Methods: The findings of radiographs, computed tomographs, and MRIs of 43 patients with flexion-distraction injuries combined with vertebral body fractures were retrospectively evaluated. We divided the patients with bursting fractures into two groups, the distractive group (posterior vertebral height ratio >1) and the compressive group (vertebral height ratio <1). Results: There were 23 compression fractures and 20 bursting fractures. In bursting fractures, the distractive group had 5 cases, and the compressive group 15 cases. In 24 cases (55.8%), the interspinous distances were widened. The average of the canal encroachment was 4% in the distractive group and 40% in the compressive group. At last follow-up, the average loss of correction was 2.0 degree in compression fractures and 2.7 degree in bursting fractures. Conclusion: The configurations of vertebral body fractures in flexion-distraction injuries of the thoracolumbar spine were varied as to the location of the axis of flexion. Because bursting fractures in flexion-distraction injuries had distractive or compressive features, one should consider that in establishing operative plan.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.91-96
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• 2009

Purpose: Frontal sinus fractures are relatively less common than other facial bone fractures. They are commonly concomitant with other facial bone fractures. They can cause severe complications but the optimal treatment of frontal sinus fractures remains controversial. Currently, many principles of treatment were introduced variously. The authors present valid and simplified protocols of treatment for frontal sinus fractures based on fracture pattern, nasofrontal duct injury, and complications. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on 36 cases of frontal sinus fractures between January, 2004 and January, 2009. The average age of patients was 33.7 years. Fracture patterns were classified by displacement of anterior and posterior wall, comminution, nasofrontal duct injury. These fractures were classified in 4 groups: I. anterior wall linear fractures; II. anterior wall displaced fractures; III. anterior wall displaced and posterior wall linear fractures; IV. anterior wall and posterior wall displaced fractures. Also, assessment of nasofrontal duct injury was conducted with preoperative coronal section computed tomographic scan and intraoperative findings. Patients were treated with various procedures including open reduction and internal fixation, obliteration, galeal frontalis flap and cranialization. Results: 12 patients are group I (33.3 percent), 14 patient were group II (38.8 percent), group III, IV were 5 each (13.9 percent). Frontal sinus fractures were commonly associated with zygomatic fractures (21.8 percent). 9 patients had nasofrontal duct injury. The complication rate was 25 percent (9 patients), including hypoesthesia, slight forehead irregularity, transient cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Conclusion: The critical element of successful frontal sinus fracture repair is precise diagnosis of the fracture pattern and nasofrontal duct injury. The main goal of management is the restoration of the sinus function and aesthetic preservation.