Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography Analysis of Stability Following Two- and Three-Point Fixation With Biodegradable Plates Among Patients With Zygomatic Fracture.

BACKGROUND: Open reduction followed by internal fixation has been regarded as the most effective technique for the surgical repair of zygomatic fractures. However, the ideal number and locations of internal fixation points to maintain stable reduction remain controversial. Using 3-dimensional computed tomography, we aimed to compare the stability of 2-point and 3-point fixation among patients who had undergone surgical repair of zygomatic bone fractures. METHODS: The study included 22 patients (17 men, 5 women) with unilateral zygomatic bone fractures who had undergone open reduction with 2-point or three-point fixation using biodegradable materials (11 patients in each group). The authors measured the lateral projection and height of the zygoma at 2 landmark points (zygomaticofacial foramen and frontozygomatic suture). In each group, bony displacement was analyzed between the preoperative and immediate postoperative phases, and between the preoperative and follow-up phases. Differences in stability between the 2 groups were analyzed by comparing values between the immediate postoperative and follow-up phases. RESULTS: The 2-point group exhibited a lower rate of complex fractures at the frontozygomatic suture than the 3-point group (18.2%, 63.6%, respectively). In both groups, the authors observed significant differences in the lateral projection of the zygomaticofacial foramen between the preoperative and immediate postoperative phases, and between the preoperative and follow-up phases. No significant differences in stability were observed between the groups. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that 2-point fixation of the zygoma with biodegradable materials is as stable as 3-point fixation. It could be initially considered when open reduction of frontozygomatic suture was not essential.

Retained large glass fragments for over 40 years in the maxillofacial region.

Foreign body (FB) impaction in the maxillofacial area could be caused by knives, glass fragments, and vegetative materials. We present the rare case of a 62-year-old man with a large glass FB in the left cheek retained for over 40 years. He had traffic accident over 40 years ago and glass fragments impacted on his left cheek. Glass fragments were retained around the zygomatic arch with dimpled scar and unclear serous discharge, but other facial motor or sensory dysfunction was not observed. We confirmed three glass fragments with radiologic examination including plain radiograph and computed tomographic image. Under general anesthesia, impacted glass fragments were removed through the direct incision on the dimpled scar and the additional incision on the left lateral canthal area. Remnant FBs were not seen on an intraoperative C-arm radiograph. After 2 days of irrigation for inflammation control, the dimpled wound was sutured. The wound was healed without major complication and the original dimpled scar was much improved.

Sinus Tract Formation with Chronic Inflammatory Cystic Mass after Beta Tricalcium Phosphate Insertion.

Beta tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) is one of allogenic bone substitute which is known to have interconnected pores that draws cell and nutrients for bone generation. It has been resulted in good outcomes for bone defect coverage or augmentation. However, several studies have also reported negative outcomes and associated complications including unexpected formation of cystic mass, continuous pain and secretion. We present the case of a 36-year-old man with a right cheek cystic mass who had a history of right zygomaticomaxillary (ZM) complex fracture and surgical correction with ß-TCP powder insertion to ZM bone defect. Excisional biopsy under local anesthesia revealed calcified mass in a sinus tract which was found to be connected to the ZM bone defect site in postoperative computed tomography image. Further excision under general anesthesia was performed to remove the sinus tract and fine granules which filled the original defect site. Pathologic report revealed bony spicules and calcification materials with chronic foreign body reaction. Postoperative complications and recurrence were not reported.