Moon-Gi Choi

Necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck: a case report

Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is an infection that spreads along the fascial planes, causing subcutaneous tissue death characterized by rapid progression, systemic toxicity, and even death. NF often appears as a red, hot, painful, and swollen wound with an ill-defined border. As the infective process continues, local pain is replaced by numbness or analgesia. As the disease process continues, the skin initially becomes pale, then mottled and purple, and finally, gangrenous. The ability of NF to move rapidly along fascial planes and cause tissue necrosis is secondary to its polymicrobial composition and the synergistic effect of the enzymes produced by the bacteria. Treatment involves securing the airway, broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy, intensive care support, and prompt surgical debridement, repeated as needed. Reducing mortality rests on early diagnosis and prompt aggressive treatment.

Advantages of intraoral and transconjunctival approaches for posterior displacement of a fractured zygomaticomaxillary complex

BackgroundFracture of the zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) is one of the most common facial injuries. A previous study has performed 3D analyses of the parallel and rotational displacements that occur in a fractured ZMC. However, few studies have investigated adequate fixation methods according to these displacements. Here, we assessed whether specific approaches and fixation methods for displacement of ZMC fractures produce esthetic results.MethodsHospital records and pre- and post-surgical computed tomographic scans of patients treated for ZMC fractures at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, Wonkwang University, between January 2010 and December 2015, were selected. Data were analyzed according to the direction of displacement and post-reduction prognosis using a 3D software.ResultsWith ZMC fractures, displacement in the posterior direction occurred most frequently, while displacement in the superior-inferior direction was rare. A reduction using a transconjunctival approach and an intraoral approach was statistically better than that using an intraoral approach, Gillies approach, and lateral canthotomy approach for a posterior displacement (P < 0.05).ConclusionsWhen posterior displacement of a fractured ZMC occurs, use of an intraoral approach and transconjunctival approach simultaneously is recommended for reducing and fixing the displaced fragment accurately.

Modified drainage of submasseteric space abscess

Once a submasseteric space infection is diagnosed, the key to resolving the infection is via surgical intervention to evacuate the pus. Although it is possible and occasionally practical to drain the submasseteric space via an intraoral approach, an extraoral approach may sometimes be required. Surgeons have encountered complications such as facial nerve damage during extraoral incision and drainage procedures, and they have felt that extraoral dissection was very difficult. As such, an easier and simpler technique is needed. Our department recently modified various drainage techniques for submasseteric space abscesses. Damage to the marginal branch of the facial nerve did not occur, and this technique was very simple and rapid, such that a novice physician could perform this procedure. This modified technique was possible with trismus and under local anesthesia. After intraorally checking the position of the drain, the intraoral wound is closed with an absorbable suture and the drain is fixed to the extraoral skin. When a masseteric space infection is diagnosed, multiple space involvement is ruled out, and dependent drainage is required, this modified drainage technique can be useful.