Ophthalmic Complications Associated with Zygomatic Complex Fractures: A Randomised Descriptive Clinical Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Maxillofacial Surgery
• Trauma Care

Background:

• Maxillofacial trauma frequently involves the middle third of the face, potentially damaging orbital structures and leading to vision impairment.
• Ocular injuries associated with zygomatic complex fractures range widely, with some subtle injuries potentially missed by non-ophthalmologists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare ophthalmic findings between Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (OMFS) and ophthalmologists in patients with zygomatic complex fractures.
• To assess the correlation and agreement in diagnosing ocular injuries in trauma patients.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 30 patients with zygomatic complex fractures.
• Preoperative and postoperative ophthalmic examinations by both OMFS and ophthalmologists, with findings documented and compared.
• Statistical analysis using Shapiro-Wilk test, Cochran's q test, and Kappa agreement.

Main Results:

• OMFS identified significant periorbital edema, ecchymosis, chemosis, and exophthalmos.
• Ophthalmologists found significant subconjunctival hemorrhage, periorbital edema, ecchymosis, ptosis, enophthalmos, and diplopia.
• Ophthalmologists demonstrated superior detection of corneal injury, phthisis bulbi, and posterior segment pathologies.

Conclusions:

• Zygomatic complex fractures are significantly correlated with ophthalmic injuries.
• Superficial ocular injuries may be identified by surgeons, but comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation is essential for detecting all injury types.
• Ophthalmologist involvement is critical for accurate diagnosis and management of eye injuries in maxillofacial trauma.