Evaluation of soft tissue asymmetry using cone-beam computed tomography after open reduction and internal fixation of zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we assessed soft tissue asymmetry that occurred after open reduction of unilateral zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures. We proposed a simple method to assess soft tissue asymmetry after reduction surgery by evaluating the symmetry between the affected and the unaffected sides. The factors affecting soft tissue contour after surgery were also analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects included patients admitted to Wonkwang University Dental Hospital from 2008 to 2013. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of asymmetric patients who underwent open reduction at least 3 months prior were compared with healthy patients. RESULTS: The degree of asymmetry was measured in both the open reduction and control groups. Landmarks that showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups were zygion (1.73+/-0.24 mm), bucclae (1.08+/-0.26 mm), point of cheek (2.05+/-0.33 mm) and frontozygomatic point (1.30+/-0.31 mm). CONCLUSION: When compared with the normal group, asymmetry can occur in the affected side, which usually shows depression of overlying soft tissue and is statistically significantly different. Evaluation of soft tissue asymmetry with CBCT images after open reduction of ZMC fracture is useful.

THE CLINICOSTATISTICAL STUDY OF FACIAL BONE FRACTURE IN RECENT FIVE YEARS

This study was aimed to furnish the data of facial bone fracture which was related regional and social environment and to aid diagnosis and treatment of the fracture. This is the retrospective and clinicostatical study on 625 patients with facial bone fracture. The patients were treated in the Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Wonkwang University Hospital from Jan. 1, 1993 to Dec. 31, 1997. The result were as follows : The facial bone fractures occured most frequently in the twenties(32.3%) and male were predominent(77.4%) than female. The most frequent etiologic factor of facial bone fracture was fall down(42.8%) and midface fracture was traffic accident(63.4%). The most common site of fracture was symphysis(51.1%) and angle(29.7%), condyle(27.5%), ZMC(13.4%) were next in order of frequency. Of the 626 patients, 590 patients(89.5%) were treated with open reduction and only 36 patients(10.5%) were treated with closed reduction. In the blow, the ratio of angle fracture(50%) is especially high(the overall ratio 29.7%) and in the Out car TA, the ratio of ZMC fracture(34.6%) is especially high(the overall ratio 13.4%). In the fall-down, the ratio of symphysis(58.4%) and condyle fracture(33.6%) is especially high(the overall ratio 51.1%, 27.5%). Postoperatives complication were found in 35(5.6%) of 626 patients, in which mouth opening limitation(3%) was the most common. Above results suggest that early diagnosis and treatment of fracture site, systemic condition and associated injuries are nessary, and cooperative treatment with medical department should be performed.