The Association of Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures with Naso-Orbitoethmoid Fractures in Pediatric Populations.

BACKGROUND: Naso-orbitoethmoid fractures associated with ipsilateral zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures are more challenging injuries than zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures alone. However, there is a paucity of information on this complex fracture pattern in the pediatric population. This study investigated the cause, treatment, and outcomes of combined zygomaticomaxillary complex and naso-orbitoethmoid fractures versus isolated zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures in pediatric patients. METHODS: This was a 25-year retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients who presented to a single institution with zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures. Baseline patient demographics and clinical information, and concomitant injuries, treatment/operative management, and postoperative complications/deformities were recorded and compared between patients with combined zygomaticomaxillary complex and naso-orbitoethmoid fractures and patients with isolated zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were identified to have had zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures in the authors' 25-year study period, of whom 46 had adequate clinical documentation and follow-up. Seventeen patients had combined zygomaticomaxillary complex-naso-orbitoethmoid fractures, of whom six had panfacial fractures. Both patient groups (zygomaticomaxillary complex only and combined zygomaticomaxillary complex-naso-orbitoethmoid fractures) were similar in terms of demographics. However, a significantly greater proportion of combined fracture patients experienced postoperative complications compared to isolated zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture patients, even after excluding those with panfacial fractures (87.5 percent versus 35.3 percent; p < 0.001). Enophthalmos (37.5 percent) and midface growth restriction (37.5 percent) were the two most common complications/deformities in all combined fracture patients. CONCLUSIONS: High-impact trauma can lead to zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures with associated naso-orbitoethmoid fractures in children. This injury pattern was found to cause significantly greater postoperative morbidity than isolated zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures alone. Thus, pediatric patients presenting with this complex facial fracture pattern should be closely monitored. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, II.

Functional recovery time after facial fractures: characteristics and associated factors in a sample of patients from southern Brazil.

Understanding the cause, severity, and elapsed time for the restoration of the functions of maxillofacial injuries can contribute to the establishment of clinical priorities aiming at effective treatment and further prevention of facial trauma. The objective of this study was to understand the factors associated with the restoration of mastication, ocular, and nasal functions in the face of trauma victims, estimating their recovery time after surgical treatment. We analyzed 114 medical records of patients treated at the Hospital Montenegro, who attended follow-up consultations for up to 180 days. For analysis of the recovery time, we performed survival analysis, followed by COX analysis. We observed that half of the patients recovered their functions within 20 days. The average time for recovery from trauma in the zygomatic-orbital-malar-nasal complex was 11 days, and in the maxillary-mandibular complex, 21 days (HR: 1.5 [0.99 2.3], p = 0.055). Although functional reestablishment has reached high rates after the surgical approach, it is necessary to analyze the failing cases, as well as the economic impacts and the prevention strategies associated with facial trauma, to improve the service to the population.

Clinical Analysis and CT 3D-Mediated Precise Internal Fixation in Maxillofacial Fracture.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To retrospectively analyze the epidemiological features, clinical diagnosis, and treatment of 610 patients with maxillofacial fractures, while providing a reference for the prevention and optimized treatment of maxillofacial fractures. METHODS: Data of patients with maxillofacial fractures who were treated and followed up at the Second People's Hospital of Kashi Prefecture from June 2012 to April 2018 were summarized. The epidemiological features, clinical manifestations, fracture sites, treatment methods, and results were analyzed. RESULTS: The highest incidence was in the age range of 20 to 49 years. The main cause of fracture was traffic injury. Mandibular fractures accounted for 37.77%, zygoma and zygomatic arch fractures for 37.00%, and maxillary fractures for 21.19%. Atypical zygomatic arch fractures were more common in the maxilla, followed by Le Fort I and II fractures. Closed fractures accounted for 85.97%. Many (73.39%) patients were treated with computed tomography 3-dimensional (3D)-mediated precision modified incision internal fixation with satisfactory results. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high incidence of maxillofacial fractures among young men, especially in summer, with the most common injuries being traffic-related injuries. The most common site is the mandible, followed by the zygomatic arch, zygomatic complex, and maxilla. Computed tomography 3D-mediated precision modified incision internal fixation can achieve satisfactory results.

Functional recovery time after facial fractures: characteristics and associated factors in a sample of patients from southern Brazil / Tempo de recuperação funcional após fraturas faciais: perfil e fatores associados em amostra de pacientes do sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT Understanding the cause, severity, and elapsed time for the restoration of the functions of maxillofacial injuries can contribute to the establishment of clinical priorities aiming at effective treatment and further prevention of facial trauma. The objective of this study was to understand the factors associated with the restoration of mastication, ocular, and nasal functions in the face of trauma victims, estimating their recovery time after surgical treatment. We analyzed 114 medical records of patients treated at the Hospital Montenegro, who attended follow-up consultations for up to 180 days. For analysis of the recovery time, we performed survival analysis, followed by COX analysis. We observed that half of the patients recovered their functions within 20 days. The average time for recovery from trauma in the zygomatic-orbital-malar-nasal complex was 11 days, and in the maxillary-mandibular complex, 21 days (HR: 1.5 [0.99 2.3], p = 0.055). Although functional reestablishment has reached high rates after the surgical approach, it is necessary to analyze the failing cases, as well as the economic impacts and the prevention strategies associated with facial trauma, to improve the service to the population.

RESUMO O entendimento da causa, da gravidade e do tempo decorrido para o restabelecimento das funções de lesões maxilofaciais pode contribuir para o estabelecimento de prioridades clínicas objetivando o efetivo tratamento e prevenção dos traumatismos de face. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi compreender quais os fatores associados ao restabelecimento das funções mastigatórias, oculares e nasais em vítimas de trauma de face, estimando o tempo para recuperação das funções, após o tratamento cirúrgico. Foram analisados 114 prontuários de pacientes atendidos no Hospital de Montenegro que compareceram às consultas de acompanhamento por até 180 dias. Para a análise do tempo para a recuperação, foi realizada a análise de sobrevida, seguida da análise de COX. Observou-se que metade dos pacientes recuperaram as funções em até 20 dias, sendo que o tempo médio para recuperação dos traumas no complexo zigomático-orbitário-malar-nasal foi de 11 dias e do complexo maxilo - mandibular de 21 dias (HR: 1,5 (0,99 - 2,3) p=0,055). Embora o restabelecimento das funções tenha atingido taxas elevadas após abordagem cirúrgicas, faz-se necessária a análise dos casos de insucessos bem como os impactos econômicos e as estratégias de prevenção associados aos traumas de face a fim de qualificar o serviço prestado à população.

Patterns of facial fractures in children.

Morbidity and mortality among children is usually the result of trauma. Because a child's face is retruded relative to the protecting skull, has a thicker layer of adipose tissue, more elastic bones, flexible sutures lines, the presence of tooth buds within the jaws, and the lack of pneumatisation of the sinuses, the facial bones fracture less commonly than in adults. Our aim was to assess the patterns of such fractures in children who presented to the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital Lahore, Pakistan. All 535 eligible children between the ages of 1-16 years who presented during the two years December 2009 - December 2011 were included in the study. Facial fractures were diagnosed by clinical examination, plain radiographs, and computed tomography, and the pattern of fractures of the facial bones including the frontal bone, orbital bones, maxilla, zygoma, naso-orbito-ethmoidal complex, mandible, and dentoalveolar region was documented. The male:female ratio was 2:1 with 369 male (70%) and 166 female (31%) patients. Fall was the cause in 212 (39%), and in 167 (31%) it was road traffic accidents, while sports were the cause in 135 (25%). The naso-orboto-ethmoid complex was fractured in 37 cases (7%) while 104 children (19%) presented with isolated fractures of the zygomatic bone. The maxilla was fractured in 195 cases (36%), the mandible in 380 (71%), and dentoalveolar trauma was the cause in 256 (50%). The mandible was the bone that was most often fractured (mostly in boys and usually as a result of falls during summer vacations), with the peak occurring in those aged 8-12 years.

Characteristics on 621 cases of craniomaxillofacial fractures.

PURPOSE: This study examined a single center's experience with regards to etiology and distribution of fractures treated from July 2015 to August 2016 in Shanghai, China. METHODS: The medical records of 621 patients with craniomaxillofacial fractures were reviewed. Patient notes and radiographic images were analyzed for detailed injury data. Age, gender, etiology, and site of fracture were examined. Chi-square test was used to analyze the causes of single and multiple fractures. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: This study included 426 male and 195 female with a male-to-female ratio of 2.18:1, among which 28.3% were between 19 and 29 years (n = 176). In all the fracture sites, orbit was most commonly involved (n = 319, 51.4%). Traffic accidents (n = 304, 49%) were the most common cause of injury in this study, while ground-level falls were the most common cause of injury in children (n = 19, 41.3%). The probability of multiple fractures due to falling from height (88.6%, p < 0.05) and traffic accidents (73.3%, p < 0.05) were significantly higher than that of other injuries. Orbital fractures have the highest surgical rate (n = 288, 90.3%). CONCLUSION: Craniomaxillofacial fractures predominantly occur in young men, due to traffic accidents. Orbit was involved in most cases. Falling from height and traffic accidents is more likely to cause multiple fractures.

Retrospective analysis of 471 surgically treated zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures.

PURPOSE: Zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures are frequent in facial trauma; only fractures of the mandible are more common. Although the frequency of these fractures is geographically consistent, the aetiology differs widely among countries and even regions. Differences in socio-economic status and the ageing population seem to be two causes. This retrospective epidemiological study evaluates patients who were surgically treated for ZMC fractures at a Swiss university clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 471 patients who were surgically treated for ZMC fractures in an oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic at a Swiss university hospital between January 2004 and December 2012. Complicated fractures such as LeFort II/III and bilateral ZMC fractures were excluded. Data on gender, age, and type of trauma were recorded. Fractures were classified by aetiology: motorised road traffic (car or motorcycle), bicycle, interpersonal violence, sports, falls (both less than and greater than 3 m in height) and other causes. RESULTS: A total of 350 patients were male (74%), and 121 were female (26%). The ZMC fractures were most likely to occur in the third decade (117 cases, 25%). A predominance of male patients was found in the young age groups, but an equal ratio was found in the elderly groups. Etiologically, falls of less than 3 m were the most common cause of ZMC fractures (125 cases, 27%). Interpersonal violence was second (88 patients, 19%); male patients dominated this group, which had a male-to-female ratio of 21:1. A predominance of male patients was found in every subdivision when analysing by aetiology and gender. The lowest proportion of males (57%) was found for falls of less than 3 m. CONCLUSION: In our study, interpersonal violence and falls outnumbered road traffic accidents among causes of maxillofacial fractures. This is probably a consequence of strict road and work laws. Additionally, the older and more active populations accounted for the highest proportion of falls, and young male patients were the predominant victims of ZMC fractures.

Maxillofacial fractures in a budding teaching hospital: a study of pattern of presentation and care.

INTRODUCTION: Previous reports indicated that there is geographic and sociodemographic variation in the epidemiology of maxillofacial fractures. Audit of maxillofacial injuries managed at any institution is therefore necessary to understand the trends and proffer strategies for prevention. We therefore embarked on this study to determine the pattern of maxillofacial fractures and concomitant injuries in our institution. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective review of information on demography, aetiology and type of maxillofacial fracture, patients' status, type of crash, level of consciousness and concomitant injuries. The data collected was analysed with SPSS Version 20. RESULTS: A total of 233 patients aged 2 to 66 years were reviewed. A higher male preponderance (M:F 3.4:1) was observed. Road traffic crashes (RTC) accounted for 78.5% of injuries. Motorcycle related crashes were responsible for 69.4% of RTC and 54.5% of all fractures. Fracture of the mandible (63.2% n=172) was the most predominant skeletal injury and the body (25% n=43) was the most common site of fracture while the zygoma (29%) was predominantly affected in the midface. Ninety three patients (40%) suffered loss of consciousness. The relationship between aetiology of injuries and consciousness level of the patients was statistically significant (p=0.001). Of the 43 patients who had concomitant injuries, craniocerebral affectation (60.5%) was the commonest. CONCLUSION: RTC remains the major aetiology of maxillofacial fractures. The mandible was mostly affected and nearly half of the patients have associated loss of consciousness. There is need for continual advocacy and enforcement of laws on preventive measures among road users.

Optimal treatment of zygomatic fractures: a single-center study results.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate the epidemiological and operative characteristics of patients undergoing surgery for zygomatic fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between May 2008 and October 2013, a total of 121 patients (98 males, 23 females; mean age 27 years; range, 9 to 63 years) who were operated for zygomatic fractures in our clinic were retrospectively analyzed. Age and sex of the patients, symptoms, fracture and incision sites, length of hospital stay, plate type, treatment options, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Assault was the leading cause of trauma (39%), followed by traffic accidents (24%). The most common symptom or clinical sign was the periorbital ecchymosis/hematoma. Conservative treatment was applied in 14 patients (12%). Surgery was performed with a closed reduction in 17 patients (14%) and open reduction in 90 patients (74%). The most common fracture site was the infraorbital rim in 76 patients (62.8%). A total of 48% patients had three-site, 35% had two-site and 12% had one-site of fixations. The major material used for the orbital floor reconstruction was porous polyethylene in 43.7% patients. CONCLUSION: Our study results show that surgery is required in the majority of the patients with zygomatic fractures. However, further large studies are required to determine many parameters such as incision sites, plate locations, and the material to be used in orbital floor reconstruction.

Prevalence and etiology of midfacial fractures: a study of 799 cases.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The prevalence and etiology of midfacial fractures varies among countries. Until now, knowledge about such type of injuries in the region of the Baltic countries was rather scarce. The purpose of the study was to analyze the prevalence, etiology and localization of midfacial fractures treated at the Vilnius University Hospital Zalgiris Clinic, Vilnius, Lithuania. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of patients treated for midfacial fractures during the period January 2005 to December 2010 were analyzed for gender, age distribution, frequency and type of injury, cause of fractures, consciousness status and alcohol abuse during trauma. RESULTS: The records of 799 patients were analyzed. The male-to-female ratio was 4.4:1. The mean age of the patients was 33.16±14.0 years (min 1, max 87). As much as 68.8% of injuries were zygomatic fractures, 27.9% were maxillary, and 3.3% were isolated orbital floor fractures. The most frequent causes for injury were interpersonal violence (64%), followed by falls (16.3%) and traffic accidents (8.3%). Most midfacial fractures (65.3%) occurred between April and October (P<0.05), on weekends (58.2%; P<0.05) and at night (62.0%; P<0.05). In 14%, trauma reports indicated the abuse of alcohol. More often such persons received more than one midfacial bone fracture (P<0.05) concurrently. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that the main cause of midfacial fractures was assault. Male patients, aged 15-34 years, more often sustain midfacial fractures. Preventive health care programs should seek measures in the reduction of aggression and violence in close future involving family, school and community institutions.

[Epidemiology of maxillofacial fractures due to traffic accidents in Medellin (Colombia)]. / Epidemiología de las fracturas maxilofaciales por accidente de tráfico en Medellín (Colombia).

OBJECTIVE: To characterize maxillofacial fractures due to traffic accidents in patients attending the Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación (Medellin-Colombia) from 1998 to 2010. METHODS: A descriptive study (n =1609) was carried out with information from the medical records of patients meeting the inclusion criteria established by the general objective of the study. The variables consisted of sex, age, year, type and number of fractures, and type of vehicle. A descriptive analysis of the variables was performed and the frequency of fractures due to traffic accidents was calculated according to year and sex. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were estimated to establish associations among age, type of vehicle, and the presence of two or more fractures with stratification by sex. RESULTS: The frequency of maxillofacial fractures due to traffic accidents increased in 2007 (men: n=198, women: n=35) and decreased from 2008 to 2010 in both sexes. Fractures were more frequent in persons aged <35 years (80%) and in men (82%). The highest frequency of fractures was observed in motorists. Male users of motorcycles (aOR=1.41; confidence interval 95% [95%CI]: 1.02- 1.94) and bicycles (aOR=1.61; 95%CI: 1.01- 2.56) were more likely to report two or more fractures compared with pedestrians, after adjustment for other variables. CONCLUSIONS: Most maxillofacial fractures occurred in men and in motorists. Future studies should analyze other determinants affecting the epidemiology of maxillofacial fractures. Strategies should be designed to improve the use of protective elements and drivers' knowledge and practices.

[A retrospective study of 1 009 patients with oral and maxillofacial fresh trauma].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiological characters of fresh maxillofacial fractures in hospitalized patients by the retrospective study. METHODS: From Jan. 2008 to Dec. 2013, a total of 1 009 patients with fresh maxillofacial fractures treated at Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology were investigated. The data were statistically analyzed by SPSS 21.0. RESULTS: The male and female ratio was 2.94:1 and 33.5% of the patients aged from 20 to 30 years. The most common cause of the fresh fracture was road traffic accidents (424 cases, 42.0%), followed by tumblings (250 cases, 24.8%) and violence (128 cases, 12.7%). The number of new fracture was increasing gradually in recent years. The patients were at peak of 20-29 years old. The mandibular fracture was the most frequently seen (536 cases, 53.1%), followed by zygomatic complex fractures (233 cases, 23.1%). The simple maxillary fracture was rare and usually combined with other fractures. Infraorbital nerve injury was the most common one in nerve injuries (144 cases). The most common associated injury was extremity injuries (77 cases), followed by thoracic injury (65 cases) and craniocerebral injury (57 cases). Associated injuries were mostly caused by car accidents (127 sites), followed by fall (32 sites). Logictic regression analysis showed that fall and tumbling were risk factors of mandibular and condylar fracture (OR > 1, P < 0.05), while age was a protective factor (OR > 1, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Oral and maxillofacial fresh fractures most commonly occurred in young people, and the most common cause of fractures was road traffic accidents. Infraorbital nerve was involved frequently. The most common associated injuries was extremity injuries.

Maxillofacial fractures at Waikato Hospital, New Zealand: 2004 to 2013.

Injury to the maxillofacial region continues to place a burden on hospital care in New Zealand, with maxillofacial fractures often being associated with both a significant social cost and personal morbidity. This article describes the characteristics, aetiology and treatment patterns in a tertiary maxillofacial centre in New Zealand during a 10-year period. Over the observation period, a total of 1,975 cases were treated, with a male-to-female ratio of 4:1. The highest incidence was in the 20-29-year-age group. Interpersonal violence (IPV) was the most common aetiology, observed in 54.5% overall, and more common among males than females (58% and 38% respectively; P<0.001). Falls were the most common cause of injury among older females (those aged 50+). Comparison to an earlier analysis shows that IPV-related maxillofacial trauma has increased significantly at this tertiary centre, increasing from 36.2% of cases in 1989-2000, to 54.5% in 2004-2013. There remains an urgent need for appropriate health promotion to reduce interpersonal violence, as well as an increase in the staffing numbers of maxillofacial units in New Zealand.

Equine orbital fractures: a review of 18 cases (2006-2013).

OBJECTIVE: To review the clinical features, treatments, complications, and outcomes of horses with traumatic orbital fractures. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Eighteen horses with confirmed orbital fractures. PROCEDURES: Medical records of horses presenting with orbital fractures between 2006 and 2013 were reviewed. Signalment, etiology of fracture, clinical signs, fracture descriptions, diagnostic imaging, treatments, complications, and outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Eighteen horses presented with orbital fractures resulting from rearing in a confined space (n = 5), being kicked (4), colliding with a stationary object (3), and unknown trauma (6). Radiography and computed tomography were effective at classifying fractures and evaluating sinus/nasal involvement. Epistaxis/sinusitis were associated with fractures of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone (n = 3) and comminuted fractures of multiple bones (5). Seventeen fractures required treatment, with fifteen receiving a combination of medical and surgical therapy. Surgery included reduction of large bony fragments (n = 8), removal of small fragments (12), stabilization with a wire implant (1), and sinus trephination and lavage (5). Factors contributing to a favorable outcome included: globe retention (n = 16), vision (14), comfort (15), cosmesis (9), and return to previous function (13). CONCLUSIONS: Horses sustaining orbital fractures treated promptly with medical and surgical therapy have a favorable prognosis for return to function and cosmesis. Fractures affecting the zygomatic process of the frontal bone are unlikely to involve the sinus/nasal cavities. Epistaxis and sinusitis warrant more aggressive therapy and decrease functional and cosmetic outcome.

Control of cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea via C-arm-guided reduction of the zygomatic arch as a part of the temporal bone: interdisciplinary approach to an unusual craniomaxillofacial fracture.

Maxillofacial fractures are often associated with blunt head injuries, of which skull base trauma is a common component. However, most oral and maxillofacial surgeons do not provide definitive management of temporal bone fractures involving the skull base and their sequelae. Persistent cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage that is refractory to conservative measures usually requires surgical closure to decrease the risk of meningitis. In general, reduction of the displaced fragment of the skull base in temporal bone fractures is not considered a priority. We describe an unusual case of craniomaxillofacial injury exhibiting CSF otorrhea because of a temporal bone fracture with a fragment that included the zygomatic arch. The persistent traumatic leakage was stopped after C-arm-guided reduction of the depressed zygomatic arch. This technique facilitated minimal and only necessary manipulation, without overcorrection, thereby avoiding additional damage to the surrounding tissues. The present case illustrates the definitive contribution of therapeutic measures based on maxillofacial surgery as part of an interdisciplinary approach to the management of the complications of severe head injuries; more invasive neurosurgery was thus avoided.

Loss of reflex tearing after maxillary orthognathic surgery: a report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Few reports have described the ophthalmic complications that occur after maxillary orthognathic surgery. Since cases of decreased reflex tearing after maxillary orthognathic surgery are extremely rare, we describe 2 cases of loss of reflex tearing after maxillary orthognathic surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: Two Asian women, an 18-year-old and a 32-year-old, suffered from unilateral dryness and irritation caused by maxillary orthognathic surgery. In both patients, Schirmer test (II) showed reduced reflex tearing in 1 eye. Computed tomography showed that the pterygoid plate had been fractured in both patients. CONCLUSIONS: The pterygopalatine ganglion and its associated fibers in the pterygopalatine fossa may be injured during Le Fort osteotomy.

Infraorbital nerve posttraumatic deficit and displaced zygomatic fractures: a double-center study.

Typical associated signs and symptoms of displaced zygomatic fractures include lack of zygoma projection, diplopia, and sensory disturbances of the infraorbital nerve (ION). The aim of this article was to assess eventual associations between ION sensory disturbances and zygomatic fractures patterns. This study is based on 2 databases that have continuously recorded patients hospitalized with maxillofacial fractures in 2 Departments of Maxillofacial Surgery in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and Turin, Italy between 2001 and 2010. The following data for patients surgically treated for displaced zygomatic fractures were considered: gender, age, site and severity of facial fractures, etiology, and presenting symptoms. Statistically significant associations were found between ION sensory disturbances and assaults (P = 0.007) and sport accidents (P = 0.00003), as well as between ION sensory disturbances and isolated zygomatic fractures (P = 0.000002) and between ION sensory disturbances and diplopia (P = 0.00009).The severity of injury and the absorption of middle-energy and high-energy forces by the zygomatic complex only were associated with ION sensory disturbances. The etiology and severity of the injury as well as the presence of associated symptoms should be thoroughly investigated when a zygomatic fracture is suspected.

Etiology and incidence of zygomatic fracture: a retrospective study related to a series of 642 patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to investigate epidemiological data (age, gender), sites, etiology and surgical approach of zygomatic fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 9 years retrospective clinical and epidemiologic study evaluated 642 patients treated for zygomatic fracture. There were 569 men and 77 women. The age range was 2 to 86 years with 205 (31.9%) in the 21 to 30 years age group. A number of parameters, including age, gender, cause of injury, site of injury, treatment modalities were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 552 (86%) zygoma fractures and 90 (14%) zygomatic arch fractures. The left zygoma was involved in 309 cases (56%); the right zygoma was involved in 243 cases (44%). Concerning the zygomatic arch, the left side was involved in 43 cases (48%) and the right side in 47 cases (52%). 7% of the patients were younger than 9 years old, about 70% between 10 and 39 years, and 18% between 40 and 59 years, while 4% were older than 60 years. Causes of zygoma fracture were traffic accidents in 151 (26%), assault in 117 (20%), accidental falls in 105 (19%), sports injuries in 56 (10%), home injuries in 45 (8%), work accidents in 34 (6%). Causes of zygomatic arch fractures 28 (29.1%) were assaults in 28 (29.1%), traffic accidents in 20 (21.5%), sports injuries in 14 (15.8%), accidental falls in 11 (14%), domestic accidents in 8 (8.8%) and work accidents in 4 (5%). The access to the fronto-zygomatic suture (74.6%) and the maxillary vestibular approaches (66.8%) were the commonest method of reduction of zygomatic fracture. About arch fractures, the Gillies temporal approach was the most used method of reduction (94.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The findings, compared with similar studies reported in the literature, support the view that the highest prevalence is in young male patients and, concerning cause, traffic accidents and assault are the most frequent.