Management of Unilateral Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fracture - A Case Report

Abstract

Zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures are relatively common. Zygomatic complex fractures with functional or aesthetic impairments often require surgical intervention. Treatment of ZMC fractures consists of reduction and fixation of the dislocated bone fragments to their original location. The zygomaticomaxillary complex functions as a major buttress for the face and because of its prominent convex shape, is frequently involved in facial trauma.1 ZMC fractures are also called tripod, tetrapod, quadripod, malar or trimalar fractures. They account for approximately 15 % - 23.5 % of maxillofacial fractures.2,3 The aetiology of zygomatic complex fractures primarily includes road traffic accidents (RTA), violent assaults, falls and sports injuries. They are the second most common facial fracture after nasal bone fractures.3-6 ZMC fractures are more common in men than women, and most commonly occur in the third decade of life.7-10 The main clinical features of zygomatic complex fractures include diplopia, enophthalmos, subconjunctival ecchymosis, extraocular muscle entrapment, cosmetic deformity, malocclusion and neurosensory disturbances of the infra-orbital nerve.10 The gold standard radiological investigation for evaluation of ZMC fractures is computed tomography (CT) scan. Surgical intervention is effective in cases of displaced and comminuted fractures involving functional and aesthetic defects, whereas a nonsurgical approach is often used for non-displaced fractures.11 Various surgical approaches and treatment strategies have been proposed to obtain a successful treatment outcome. Based on review of literature, it has been observed that the open reduction with internal fixation using mini plates and screws is the most commonly preferred treatment for displaced and comminuted fractures.10-12 Here, we report a clinical case of right zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture and its management.