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Emergency Medicine9 papers

Fracture of zygomatic arch

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Fracture of the zygomatic arch involves disruption of the bony structure forming part of the cheekbone, often resulting from blunt trauma to the face. Isolated fractures typically do not involve the zygomatic bone body, making them distinct from more complex zygomatic fractures 1.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical presentation includes swelling, ecchymosis, and malocclusion or asymmetry 1.
  • Radiographic imaging, particularly CT scans, is essential for confirming the diagnosis and assessing the extent of the fracture 1.
  • Grading systems are not specifically detailed in the provided abstracts but typically involve assessing displacement and involvement of adjacent structures 1.
  • Management

  • First-line treatment: Closed reduction using manual manipulation or specialized tools like a bone hook for isolated fractures 1.
  • Adjunctive treatments: May include the use of intermaxillary fixation (IMF) or arch bars to stabilize the fracture site postoperatively 1.
  • Pain management: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used for pain relief and to reduce inflammation 1.
  • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Specific techniques or considerations for pediatric patients are not detailed in the provided abstracts 1.
  • Elderly: No unique management strategies specific to elderly patients are mentioned 1.
  • Comorbidities: Management considerations for patients with comorbidities like osteoporosis are not addressed in the abstracts 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Utilize a bone hook for the speedy and effective reduction of isolated zygomatic arch fractures (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1.
  • Confirm diagnosis with CT scans to assess fracture extent accurately (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1.
  • Consider intermaxillary fixation postoperatively for stabilization, though specific indications vary (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1.
  • References

    1 Chidzonga MM. Reduction of the isolated fracture of the zygomatic arch using a bone hook. Odonto-stomatologie tropicale = Tropical dental journal 1989. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Reduction of the isolated fracture of the zygomatic arch using a bone hook.Chidzonga MM Odonto-stomatologie tropicale = Tropical dental journal (1989)

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