Management of Greenstick Fracture at the Root of Adult Zygomatic Arch

Abstract

Greenstick fractures mostly occur in children and rarely in adults. In adult zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures, the greenstick fracture at the root of the zygomatic arch is occasionally encountered. This makes it difficult to move the fracture segment. Therefore, achieving anatomic reduction is very difficult. Our preoperative 3D repaired model shows that if only the maxilla and zygomatic bones are restored, the patient’s face will still have depression and protrusion. The greenstick fracture segment at the root of the zygomatic arch needs to undergo osteotomy to achieve anatomic reduction and restore facial symmetry. The patient’s facial appearance was restored after the surgery. The postoperative computed tomography scan showed good alignment of the fracture. The authors believe that a fracture at the root of the zygomatic arch can serve as an indication for open reduction and fixation.