악안면 외상 환자의 치료지연에 대한 임상분석

Background and Objectives: Maxillofacial trauma is frequent and mostly combined with other systemical problems or trauma as well. It requires early intervention but in the cases of the combined injuries, the treatment may be delayed which leads to poor surgical outcome and high rate of complications. The aim of the study was to investigate the causes of the delayed treatment, and also to analyze the treatment outcome and complications. Materials and Method: The study was based on the patients diagnosed with maxillofacial trauma but has not received proper examinations or had delayed intervention at least 30 days later from the onset. 55 patients who visited out patient clinic in Gil Medical Hospital from June 2004 to January 2007 were classified by sex, age, causes, combined injuries of the delayed treatment retrospectively. In cases of nasal bone fractures, we compared the results of early intervention with the those of delayed operation. Results: The causes of delayed treatment were that 36 patients did not receive proper examinations or radiologic studies, 12 patients had combined injuries or had medical problems. In cases of nasal bone fractures, the results of early intervention were better than those of delayed treatment (satisfactory rate 96% vs 14%, P<0.05). Conclusion: Early intervention of nasal bone frature is necessary to obtain satisfactory result. It is important for the primary physician or an emergency room doctor to evaluate the maxillofacial patients thoroughly and cooperate with other department in early time, in order to minimize the complications and unnecessary operation later. (J Clinical Otolaryngol 2008;19:189-192)