Management of Zygomatic Complex Fracture in Armed Forces

Area of Science:

• Maxillofacial Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Military Medicine

Background:

• Military personnel face unique injury risks from their duties.
• Increased motorization and violence contribute to maxillofacial trauma.
• Zygomatic complex fractures are a significant concern within this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence of zygomatic complex fractures in Armed Forces personnel.
• To identify the primary causes (aetiology) of these fractures.
• To evaluate the management strategies and outcomes for these injuries.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 90 maxillofacial injuries at Command Military Dental Centre (EC).
• Focus on 40 cases of zygomatic complex fractures.
• Data collection on patient demographics, injury cause, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• Zygomatic complex fractures represented 44.4% of maxillofacial injuries studied.
• The majority of affected individuals were in their third decade of life.
• Road Traffic Accidents (RTAs) were the leading cause of these fractures.

Conclusions:

• The midface, including the zygomatic complex, is susceptible to fractures.
• Effective management led to uneventful recovery in 92.5% of cases.
• Patient education on protective measures (headgear, seat belts) is crucial for prevention.