Cephalic traumas with lacrimal apparatus involvement. Our experience

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Stefano Chiummariello
Giuseppe Del Torto
Marcello Desgro
Alessandra Pica
Carmine Alfano

Abstract

PURPOSE: The involvement of the lacrimal ducts in the extreme cephalic trauma is an infrequent condition. A correct diagnosis and appropriate management of injuries of the lacrimal system are essential to prevent the onset of post-traumatic. epiphora. 


METHODS: In the last 5 years, 37 patients were treated for lacrimal apparatus injury as a result of cephalic trauma: in 16 there was an isolated lacrimal injury and in 21 were documented fractures combined with lacrimal damage. 


RESULTS: In 16 patients who had only deep lesions, was performed a reconstruction after location lesion localization, and only in 4 cases, because of the gravity of the lesion, it was decided to perform a reconstruction in a second time. 


In the remaining 21 patients the facial fractures were treated before lacrimal injuries, whose reconstruction was carried out on a second time. 


CONCLUSIONS: The reconstruction of the cephalic district has to be based on the restoration of morpho-functional component and on the identification and treatment of lacrimal injuries. The reduction of fractures in our view should start from the lateral area (centripetal reconstruction) allowing to have a guide for alignment of the fracture lines. The objectives to be achieved in a facial trauma are therefore three: the maintenance of vital functions, the recovery of the function and the restoration of morphological and functional prior to the event.

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How to Cite
Chiummariello, Stefano, et al. “Cephalic Traumas With Lacrimal Apparatus Involvement. Our Experience”. Annali Italiani Di Chirurgia, vol. 83, no. 6, Nov. 2012, pp. 477-80, https://annaliitalianidichirurgia.it/index.php/aic/article/view/2107.
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