Gingival Sulcus Incision for Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fracture

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Plastic Surgery
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures often require surgical intervention.
• Traditional intraoral approaches, like the superior gingivobuccal incision, can lead to postoperative complications such as scarring and upper labial frenum shortening.
• These complications can cause oral discomfort and affect aesthetic appearance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel surgical approach for zygomatic fractures using a gingival sulcus incision.
• To compare the outcomes of the gingival sulcus approach with traditional intraoral methods, focusing on minimizing oral complications.
• To assess the aesthetic and functional recovery following the novel surgical technique.

Main Methods:

• A novel gingival sulcus incision was utilized for the surgical treatment of 5 zygomatic fractures, avoiding traditional oral mucosal incisions.
• Postoperative evaluation included assessment of gingival interdental papillae regression, gingival swelling, and gingival sensation at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.
• Clinical outcomes were monitored for complications such as paresthesia.

Main Results:

• Complete regression of gingival papillae was observed by 3 months post-operation.
• Gingival swelling resolved within 1 month after surgery.
• No instances of paresthesia were reported in any of the treated cases.
• The gingival sulcus approach demonstrated scarless results and maintained the aesthetic appearance of the oral cavity.

Conclusions:

• The gingival sulcus incision is a viable and effective alternative for treating zygomatic fractures.
• This novel approach significantly reduces postoperative oral complications, including scarring and frenum issues.
• The technique offers excellent aesthetic outcomes and patient satisfaction by preserving the natural appearance of the oral cavity.