Reduction and fixation of comminuted fractures of the midface by using a Hoffman-type external fixator: A case report
Masakatsu Hihara,
Masashi Kihara,
Michika Fukui,
Toshihito Mitsui,
Natsuko Kakudo
Affiliations
Masakatsu Hihara
Correspondence to: Masakatsu Hihara, Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1, Shin-machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan.; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
Masashi Kihara
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
Michika Fukui
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
Toshihito Mitsui
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
Natsuko Kakudo
Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
Internal fixation using plates remains the gold standard for facial fracture fixation. External wound fixators are rarely used. In the present study, we successfully treated multiple comminuted facial fractures with midfacial depressions by using a Hoffman-type external fixator and achieved good functional and cosmetic results. Internal fixation using plates is sometimes problematic in comminuted facial fractures, such as those associated with high-energy trauma. Depending on the fracture pattern, a Hoffman-type external fixator, which is a single pillar type of external fixator, can be effective.
