Patient Perspective in the Management of Zygomatic Fractures.

BACKGROUND: A clinical study was undertaken on the management of zygomatic complex fractures using various surgical approaches in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery during the past 3 years.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to evaluate the versatility of various surgical approaches.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 15 cases were selected following a clinical and radiological examination of fractures of the zygomatic complex. A standard pro forma was used to record the case history and findings. These cases were treated by mini plate or micro plate osteosynthesis. Reduction techniques used were Gillie's temporal approach, Dingman's lateral eyebrow approach, upper buccal sulcus approach, and inferior orbital approach. Fixations were done either by mini plate or micro plate osteosynthesis. To compare the effectiveness of the reduction and fixation techniques the following parameters were assessed: facial symmetry-corrected/unaltered, wound healing-good/impaired, mouth opening good/restricted, diplopia-present/absent, infraorbital nerve - present/absent.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Successful surgical treatment of the zygomatic complex fracture is influenced by its geometry. Whether the alignment may be successfully achieved or not by open reduction at single or multiple locations, can vary with the individual surgeon's experience.