Evaluation of the orbital floor in zygoma fractures

Displaced fractures of the zygoma require reduction to prevent malunion. The indications for concomitant orbital floor exploration are controversial. In a retrospective review, the preoperative clinical findings, roentgenographic findings, and mode of injury in 106 patients with zygoma fractures who had their orbital floors explored was compared with surgical findings. The finding of preoperative diplopia was correlated with a surgically significant floor defect. The finding of trismus correlated with the absence of a significant defect. No other clinical or roentgenographic finding was correlated to a significant degree with the presence or absence of a significant defect.