Three-point alignment of zygoma fractures with miniplate fixation

Over the years, depression of the malar eminence has been one of the most persistent complications of zygoma fractures, regardless of the fixation technique used. The use of a sublabial incision for direct visualization and alignment of the fracture lines at the infraorbital rim and lateral maxillary buttress is described. When coupled with single miniplate fixation of the zygoma across the frontozygomatic suture, the sublabial approach results in improved reduction of the fractures with rigid stabilization. Our experience with this approach, as well as with two-point wire fixation and with miniplate fixation without sublabial exposure, is reviewed.