A modified preauricular-temporal approach for fixing comminuted and redisplaced zygomatic arch fractures with the resorbable bone plate

Abstract

【Abstract】 Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the rigid internal fixation for comminuted and redisplaced zygomatic arch fractures by modified preauricular-temporal approach with the resorbable bone fixation. Methods: Totally twenty patients aged from 14 to 68 years and admitted to our hospital between September 2006 and June 2011 were reviewed, of whom seventeen had a unilateral comminuted zygomatic arch fracture and three re-displaced arch fracture after failed closed reduction. The fracture segments were aligned to restore the preinjury form of the arch by rigid fixation with resorbable plates and screws through a modified preauricular-temporal incision. Results: The fractures were well reduced, preauricu-lar-temporal scar and lateral facial contour were aestheti-cally satisfying, and no case had limited mouth opening as well as facial palsy. The resorbable plates were not palpated one year after the operation. Conclusion: The rigid internal fixation through the preauricular-temporal approach with the resorbable bone is an effective method for the comminuted and redisplaced zygomatic arch fractures. Key words: Zygoma; Fracture fixation, internal; Facial nerve