Revisiting the U-Shaped Elevator for Zygomaticomaxillary Fracture: Study and Comparison of Elevators for Zygomaticomaxillary Fracture Reduction

Abstract

The authors present the case of a 15-year-old male who sustained a unilateral zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture and underwent open reduction and rigid internal fixation, for which a U-shaped elevator was utilized. The authors discuss techniques in reduction and fixation of zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures, focusing on the use of various elevators during reduction, including straight-type and curved elevators. The U-shaped elevator is a handheld tool with bilateral symmetrically curved ends that is seldom used, despite its specific benefits including nonslip serrated tips, symmetrical nature that allows for direct loading needed for accurate reduction, visualization of the fracture site, and avoidance of tissue compression during elevation.