Retrobulbar hemorrhage, especially when associated with visual loss, is a rare but significant complication after facial bone reconstruction. In this article, two cases of retrobulbar hematoma after surgical repair of blow-out fracture are reported. In one patient, permanent loss of vision was involved, but with the other patient, we were able to prevent this by performing immediate decompression after definite diagnosis. We present our clinical experience with regard to the treatment process and method for prevention of retrobulbar hematoma using a scalp vein set tube and a negative pressure drainage system.

BackgroundThe zygoma is a major portion of the midfacial contour. When deformity occurs in this area, a reduction should be conducted to correct it. If a sagittal fracture at the temporal root of the zygomatic arch occurs, this also requires reduction, but it is difficult to approach due to its anatomical location, and the possibility of fixation is also limited. Thus, the authors attempted the reduction of sagittal fracture by two- or three-point fixation and the Gillies approach without direct manipulation. The preoperative and postoperative results of the patients were evaluated. Follow-up was performed to establish a treatment guideline.MethodsA retrospective study was done with 40 patients who had sagittal fractures at the temporal root of the zygomatic arch from March 2009 to June 2012. Only two- or three-point fixation was performed for the accompanying zygomatic-orbital-maxillary fracture. The Gillies approach was used for complex fractures of the zygomatic arch, while the temporal root of the zygomatic arch was only observed without reduction. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography and X-ray scans were performed to examine the results.ResultsThe result of the paired t-test on preoperative and postoperative bone gap differences, the depression level, and the degree of temporal protrusion showed a marked decrease in the mean difference at a 95% confidence interval. The results were acceptable.ConclusionsIn the treatment of sagittal fractures at the temporal root of the zygomatic arch, it is acceptable to use indirect reduction and non-fixation methods. This leads to a satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcome.

Nasoalveolar molding (NAM) device is an effective treatment for protruding maxilla in infants with cleft palate. However, only a few studies have investigated the effect of NAM devices on the treatment of protruding maxilla in infants with cleft lip only. We have designed a combination treatment using NAM devices prior to cheiloplasy for cleft lip-only patients with severe anterior protrusion of the premaxilla. Three cleft lip-only infants with 1-cm or more of premaxilla protrusion were included. Definitive cheiloplasty was performed at 6 months of age without any preoperative correction in infant 1. Cheiloplasty was performed in conjunction with the use of NAM device and lip adhesion in infants 2 and 3. Postoperative columella length and anterior-posterior dimension of the protruding premaxilla were compared amongst the infants. We were able to obtain satisfactory postoperative columella length and general nasal appearance.