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Published on: October 18, 2021
Zygomatic arch deformation: an anatomic and clinical study.
Marcin Czerwinski1, Stephanie Ma, H Bruce Williams
1The Craniofacial Center, Dallas, TX, USA. marcin.czerwinski@mail.mcgill.ca
Zygomatic arch deformation without fracture is an elastic injury pattern seen in 19% of zygoma injuries. This finding may reduce the need for surgery and hardware fixation in certain patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Anatomy
Background:
- Zygomatic arch trauma typically results in three distinct fracture patterns.
- An additional, previously unidentified injury pattern involves significant axial plane bending without fracture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a novel injury pattern of zygomatic arch deformation without fracture.
- To compare the demographic characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with and without zygomatic arch fractures.
Main Methods:
- Computed tomography (CT) scans analyzed arch bending in patients with deformation without fracture.
- Patients were categorized into 'arch deformation without fracture' and 'arch fracture' groups.
- Postoperative CT scans compared zygoma repair accuracy using the Gillies' technique in both groups.
Main Results:
- Arch bending most commonly occurred in the middle and posterior thirds, averaging 11 degrees.
- Post-Gillies' repair, residual arch deformation averaged 2 degrees.
- Patients with arch deformation without fracture were significantly younger (24 yrs vs 42 yrs) and achieved near anatomic realignment.
Conclusions:
- Zygomatic arch deformation without fracture accounts for 19% of zygoma injuries and is likely elastic.
- This injury pattern may reduce the need for coronal exposure and hardware fixation.
- Anatomic repair and stability can be achieved without surgical intervention in some cases.
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