Endoscopic approach to maxillo-facial trauma

Abstract

AIM: This article reviews the application of endoscope-assisted techniques to the treatment of maxillofacial trauma and discusses some aspects of these techniques and reporting our experience.

INTRODUCTION: In the last decades, diagnostical imaging, surgical techniques and surgical instrument development allowed a great progress in management of facial fractures. In recent years, to some Authors, endoscopic approach to maxillofacial trauma has become common for reducing zygomatic arch, orbital blow-out, medial orbital wall, frontal sinus and subcondylar mandibular fractures. The endoscopic reduction of facial fractures as an alternative to open reduction allowed to manage patients with less unwanted complications. In fact, endoscopic approach permit to dicrease perisurgical morbidity and offers to surgeons to reach good results.

DISCUSSION: Indications to endoscopic reduction are represented by dimension, extension and site of the fracture and to the surgeon’s experience.

CONCLUSIONS: The use of endoscopy in maxillo-facial surgery represents one of the main realities of modern medicine together with advanced sectors of biomedical engineering research. In this way, not only time of hospitalization will be reduced but also morbidity in maxillofacial surgery.