[Foley balloon placement for maxillofacial fractures].

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of maxillary sinus Foley balloon placement in patients with maxillofacial fractures.

Patients And Methods: This study included 38 patients (10 females, 28 males; mean age 29.1+/-11.6; range 9 to 49 years) in whom Foley balloon placement and gauze packing were performed for blow-out, orbitozygomatic, or maxillary fractures. Sex and age distributions, etiology of trauma, localization of fractures, management, intraoperative and postoperative complications were evaluated.

Results: Eighteen patients had blow-out fractures, 15 patients had orbitozygomatic fractures, and five patients had Le Fort II-III fractures of the maxilla. Preoperatively, enophthalmos, diplopia, limited ocular motility, and facial asymmetry were found in 28.9%, 26.3%,18.4% and 65.8%, respectively. Sufficient maxillary sinus patency was obtained in 32 patients (84.2%). Enophthalmos, diplopia, limited ocular motility, and facial asymmetry were found in 13.2%, 7.9%, 5.3%, and 18.4% in the postoperative period, respectively.

Conclusion: Maxillary Foley balloon placement should be preferred in the blow-out, orbitozygomatic, and maxillary fractures because it supports the orbital floor and provides sufficient maxillary sinus patency.