ABSTRACT
A prospective study was made of patients with zygomatic bone fracture at Siriraj Hospital from January 1st, 1995 to December 31st, 2000 to evaluate their etiology, type of fracture, complications of fracture, operative techniques used and the results of treatment. Out of 2127 cases that presented to the Facial Fracture Clinic, Division of Trauma Surgery, Department of Surgery during this period, there were 431 cases of fractured zygoma. Most of the cases, which were more common in males, were caused by traffic accidents. The peak age-incidence was 21-30 years old and the most common type of fracture was trimalar. Common complications of fracture were sensory impairment, limitation of opening the mouth and diplopia. In order to reduce the fractures, a Gillies' approach was used in 210 cases, an infraorbital approach in 203 cases, Dingman's approach in 87 cases and a Gingivo buccal approach in 20 cases and applied internal fixation in 216 cases. The floor of the orbit was repaired in 36 cases. The post-operative wound infection rate was 1.1%. The authors conclude that zygomatic fracture is a common facial fracture caused by traffic accidents. Open reduction with or without internal fixation by a variety of approaches provides good functional and cosmetic results with very few complications.