Anthropometric aspects used to treat fractures of the naso-orbito-ethmoido-maxillary (NOEM) complex in cases of facial trauma

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND. Fractures of the naso-orbito-ethmoido-maxillary (NOEM) complex are frequently acquired post-traumatic lesions, with both aesthetic and functional consequences, if the diagnosis is not promptly established and the surgical correction is delayed. OBJECTIVES. This study was conducted in order to facilitate the diagnosis of NOEM complex fractures by using anthropometric measures. The aim was to obtain normal mean values of the evaluated parameters from a lot of healthy volunteers. MATERIAL AND METHODS. The measurements were conducted on patient-specific three-dimensional models obtained from processing the CT scan images and building further stereolithographic models. 64 Caucasian patients were enrolled, with ages between 19 and 93 years, both female and male volunteers, without previous surgical history of the middle floor of the face. Measurements were performed between certain craniometric points (Nasion, Dacryon, Infraorbital foramen, Rhinion and Frontomalare orbitale) and a database was created. RESULTS. Although some expected variation arised, we have obtained normal-considered intervals for each of the defined and measured segments between the mentioned craniometric points. We find these measurements useful especially for elaborating a presurgical plan for the best outcome. CONCLUSION. Simple measurements could orient a fast diagnosis, could help establish a surgical plan, an optimal surgical timing by combining clinical and imaging data.