Novel Surgical Technique for Repair of Zygomatic Fractures: Lever Technique

Application of real-time surgical navigation for zygomatic fracture reduction and fixation

BACKGROUND

Inappropriate treatment of zygomatic fractures can reduce esthetic and functional outcomes. The aim of this study was to answer the research question: "Among patients with a unilateral zygomatic fracture, is the use of computer-assisted real-time navigation system during fracture reduction precise and accurate to create postoperative facial symmetry?"

METHODS

Using a retrospective cohort study design, we enrolled a cohort of unilateral zygomatic fractures undergoing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with the aid of the computer-based navigation system at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan, during January 2015 and March 2018. The predictor variable was the comparison before and after surgery. The main outcome variables included (1) two-dimensional (2D) reduction of the displacement at five anatomical landmarks: zygomaticofrontal, inferior orbital rim, zygomaticosphenoidal, zygomaticomaxillary, and zygomaticotemporal lines/buttresses and (2) three-dimensional (3D) differences on distances between zygomatic surface to the porion plane and the midpoint of zygomatic arch (ZA) to the mid-porion (MP) plane. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was computed to compare between pre- and postoperative data, and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The cohort comprised 24 subjects (50% females, 75% left-sided) with a mean age of 30.5 +/- 13.8 years. On 2D analysis, the significant fracture reduction was found: 4.78 vs. 1.22 mm, 1.78 vs. 0.40 mm, 3.50 vs. 0.07 mm, 3.06 vs. 0.55 mm, and 2.55 vs. 0.50 mm at zygomaticomaxillary, zygomaticofrontal, inferior orbital rim, zygomaticosphenoidal, and zygomaticotemporal landmarks. The 3D evaluations revealed the significant reduction of the differences between the left and right zygomatic surface to the porion plane (4.09 ± 2.12 vs. 0.46 ± 0.35 mm) and between the left and right ZA midpoints to the MP plane (4.89 ± 2.59 vs. 0.71 ± 0.44 mm) (p<0.001 for both 2D and 3D analyses).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that the real-time surgical navigation system can effectively guide the ORIF of zygomatic fractures. Future research studies should focus on the learning curve and cost-effectiveness analysis of this technique.

The Role of Computed Tomography in Zygomatic Bone Fracture - A Case Report

Introduction

The zygomatic complex is integral to the facial contour, protection of the eye and other facial structures, and dental occlusion. Its importance in facial function and aesthetics requires high quality outcomes of the treatment.

Case presentation

This paper reports the case of a 46-year-old man who had an occupational accident resulting in extensive facial trauma and zygomatic fractures. The patient presented with hyposphagma, palpable step in the area of the infraorbital rim, paresthesia of the right infraorbital nerve, flattening of zygomatic prominence, abrasion of the chin and nose, a 7-cm laceration in the midface region, ecchymosis in the palate, and alteration in the dental occlusion without limitation of mouth opening. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the zygomatic complex fractures. The treatment was reduction and fixation with plates and screws. CT was used throughout the treatment period as an essential diagnostic tool for accurate fracture assessment and classification, formulation of the surgical plan, and postoperative evaluation.

Conclusion

This case study illustrated the correct use of CT for improved and efficient treatment of traumatic injury of the zygoma, an anatomical area where restoration of function and aesthetics is challenging. The patient signed a written informed consent statement for publication.

Percutaneous Reduction of Isolated Zygomatic Arch Fractures: A 5-Year Experience

PURPOSE

We evaluated the outcomes and differences in surgical time and hospitalization length for patients with an isolated zygomatic arch (ZA) fracture treated by percutaneous wire reduction with external fixation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We designed and developed a retrospective study of patients with isolated ZA fractures treated from 2014 to 2019. The predictor variable was the operative treatment, represented by percutaneous reduction with external fixation. The primary outcome variables were the surgical time and hospitalization length. Other variables, including functional and esthetic results (evaluated by clinical and radiologic assessments) and the rate of immediate and delayed complications during a 6-month minimum follow-up period, were considered. Descriptive statistics were computed and compared with the international reported data.

RESULTS

A total of 15 patients met specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The 15 fractures were grouped using the classification reported by Kim et al as type 1A (n = 9) and type 1B (n = 6). No significant differences were found between the 2 groups, except for the fracture type. The operative treatment was performed with the patient under general anesthesia (n = 12) or local anesthesia with sedation (n = 3). Only 1 patient developed a complication (early hematoma). No other cases of early or delayed complications were reported. Two patients required a traditional surgical operation with the Gilles approach. The average hospitalization length and surgical time were 0.8 night and 18.4 minutes for the type 1A group and 0.7 night and 19.0 minutes for the type 1B group, respectively. Optimal esthetic and functional outcomes were obtained for all 15 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present study suggest that optimal esthetic and functional results can be obtained, minimizing the effect on soft tissues and patient discomfort, with a short surgical time and low rate of complications.