Infraorbital nerve posttraumatic deficit and displaced zygomatic fractures: a double-center study

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Displaced zygomatic fractures often present with specific signs like lack of zygoma projection, diplopia, and infraorbital nerve (ION) sensory disturbances.
• Understanding the relationship between fracture patterns and neurological symptoms is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between infraorbital nerve (ION) sensory disturbances and the patterns of displaced zygomatic fractures.
• To identify specific fracture characteristics and etiologies linked to ION sensory disturbances.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of patient data from maxillofacial surgery departments in Amsterdam and Turin (2001-2010).
• Inclusion criteria: patients surgically treated for displaced zygomatic fractures.
• Data collected: gender, age, fracture site and severity, etiology, and presenting symptoms.

Main Results:

• Significant associations found between ION sensory disturbances and assaults (P=0.007) and sport accidents (P=0.00003).
• ION sensory disturbances were strongly linked to isolated zygomatic fractures (P=0.000002) and diplopia (P=0.00009).
• Injury severity and absorption of middle- to high-energy forces by the zygomatic complex were associated with ION sensory disturbances.

Conclusions:

• The etiology of injury, specifically assaults and sports accidents, and the severity of the fracture are significant factors associated with ION sensory disturbances.
• Thorough investigation of injury mechanisms and associated symptoms is essential when suspecting zygomatic fractures.