Portable fluoroscopy in the management of zygomatic arch fractures

Operative methods that do not allow intraoperative visualization of the fracture fragments in patients with isolated zygomatic arch fractures often result in inadequate reduction. This article describes a technique using a portable, surgeon-operated fluoroscopic machine that can be used preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively in patients with isolated zygomatic arch fractures. Using the portable fluoroscopic unit, reduction of isolated zygomatic arch fractures was performed in 9 consecutive patients over a period of 1.5 years. Postoperative alignment was confirmed using computed tomography (CT). These CT images were compared with the fluoroscopic images in several of the patients. Eight of the nine fractures were reduced via an intraoral approach and one through a Gillies approach. All nine fractures were easily visualized and their reductions were confirmed with intraoperative dynamic visualization using a portable fluoroscopic unit. Postoperative CT revealed images of the reduction that were comparable with intraoperative and postoperative fluoroscopic images. The use of portable fluoroscopy intraoperatively allows for dynamic visualization of instrumentation and the immediate confirmation of the adequacy of fracture reduction. Moreover, this technique may eliminate the need for postoperative CT in isolated zygomatic arch fractures. Portable fluoroscopy may also have a place in the management of certain zygomatic complex fractures.