Management of Zygomatic Arch Fractures by Intraoral Open Reduction and Transbuccal Fixation: A Technical Note

Abstract

Fractures of the zygomatic arch are common due to its anatomical prominence. The post-traumatic restoration of the arch form is important to maintain the midfacial symmetry and anteroposterior projection of the face. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of fractured arch is indicated in specific clinical presentations. The traditional methods of ORIF of zygomatic arch fractures require cutaneous incisions, which are associated with complications such as scarring and facial nerve injury. This article presents a simple technique of "intraoral reduction and transbuccal fixation" of the arch that negates the problems associated with the conventional approaches to ORIF.

Keywords: fixation; intraoral; transbuccal; zygomatic arch fracture.

Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of Conflicting Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

© The Author(s) 2020.

Figures

Figure 1.

CT demonstrating arch fracture. CT indicates computed tomography.

Figure 2.

Transbuccal instrumentation.

Figure 3.

Mini plate fixation on the zygomatic arch.

Figure 4.

Postoperative CT taken 4 weeks after fixation—axial view. CT indicates computed tomography.