Simple Identification of Symmetric Reduction in Unilateral Depressed Zygomatic Fracture

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The zygoma is a key element which composes the facial contour. Zygomatic fracture induces facial asymmetry. We use radiologic evaluation or inspections mainly for identification of symmetry after reduction depressed zygomatic fracture. But the disadvantages of such methods are time-consuming and complicated process. So we tried to develop a new testing method with a ruler and a level. METHODS: In unilateral depressed zygomatic fracture patient, parallel to the patient's head to make sure lay horizontaly. Put the leg of a ruler on the malar eminence so that it is at the same distance from the facial midline. Then take the level of malar eminence as put the level above the ruler. This process was performed before and after the reduction. RESULTS: We were able to fix with plate and screw after checking the results of reduction fast and easily. Good results were obtained at post-operative radiologic evaluation. CONCLUSION: We can easily get the ruler and level around life. This method is not only simple but also short-time process compared with other method-radiologic evaluation or inspection. And the operator can explain the results to the patients easily and objectively. Authors obtained the good results with this new method, and would introduce it for another method of identifying the result of reduction in depressed zygomatic fractures.