Most zygomatic complex fractures can be treated solely by an intraoral approach and rigid fixation at the zygomaticomaxillary buttress. Further exposure of the zygomaticofrontal junction or inferior orbital rim is necessary for severely displaced fractures, which require additional fixation.
What causes a zygomatic fracture?
Zygoma fractures usually result from high-impact trauma. Leading causes of fractures include assault, motor vehicle or motorcycle accidents, sports injuries, and falls.
What are the symptoms of zygomatic fracture?
Broken cheekbone/upper jaw (zygomatic maxillary fracture)
- Flatness of the cheek.
- Altered sensation underneath the eye on the affected side.
- Problems with eyesight.
- Pain with jaw movement.
How is zygomatic fracture diagnosed?
Zygomatic arch fractures can be clinically difficult to diagnose as the only signs may be a dimple palpable on the arch, which may or may not be tender, and or a decreased range of mouth opening. The patient’s range of mouth opening should be greater than 30 mms.
Do ZMC fractures require surgery?
A review of the literature reveals that 77-94% of patients with zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures require surgical reduction. Many authors advocate closed reduction of ZMC fractures through more limited surgical approaches. Accurate closed reduction can be achieved in many cases.
How long does a zygomatic fracture take to heal?
They will heal themselves over 3-6 weeks. want to bring the broken bones back into a normal alignment (called ‘reducing’ the fracture) and keep it/them in this place (called ‘fixing the fracture’), preventing further injury.
How long does it take for a zygomatic fracture to heal?
Even if a fracture is held in place with plates and screws it still takes approximately six weeks for your cheekbone to heal completely. During this recovery period, you will need to be careful to avoid an injury to this area of your face, as it may cause the cheekbone to move out of position.
When should a ZMC fracture be fixed?
Indications for surgical repair of zygomatic complex fractures include displacement or instability of the fracture, mechanical restriction of mandibular movement (chewing), alteration in facial contour, globe dystopia, enophthalmos, diplopia, or sensory nerve deficit.
What is a ZMC?
The zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) plays a key role in the structure, function, and aesthetic appearance of the facial skeleton. It provides normal cheek contour and separates the orbital contents from the temporal fossa and the maxillary sinus.
Do all cheekbone fractures need surgery?
Once it has determined the cheekbone is broken the surgeon will decide if surgery is needed. Sometimes depending on the situation, such as if the cheekbone fracture is stable, no surgery is recommended. But, it will be advised if it affects the daily function of the patient or causes a cosmetic defect.
What is a zygomatic fracture?
A zygomatic complex fracture is a fracture that involves the zygoma and its surrounding bones. The typical lines of a zygomatic complex fracture are: A fracture emanating from the inferior orbital fissure superiorly along the sphenozygomatic suture to the frontozygomatic suture where it crosses the lateral orbital rim.
What is a zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture?
Zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures , also known as tripod, tetrapod, quadripod, malar or trimalar fractures, are seen in the setting of traumatic injury to the face. They comprise fractures of the: They can account for ~40% of midface fractures. They are the second most common facial bone fracture after nasal bone fractures .
What does zygomatic fractures mean?
A simple zygomatic fracture is a hairline break in the zygoma , or cheekbone. Complex fractures may include the cheekbone and part of the orbit of the eye. If the fracture has caused a piece of the cheekbone to move or become displaced, plastic surgery may be needed to restore the pieces of zygoma bone to its original location.
What is the function of zygomatic process?
The temporal process of the zygomatic and the zygomatic process of the temporal together form the zygomatic arch, for instance, which holds the masseter, one of the main muscles a person uses to chew. The second function is to provide some protection to the inner structures of the face.
What does zygomatic process mean?
Each Zygomatic process is the part of a bone which articulates with the zygomatic bone. The three processes are: The zygomatic process is occasionally referred to as the zygoma, but this term usually refers to the zygomatic bone or occasionally the zygomatic arch.
