RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The zygomatic complex is integral to the facial contour, protection of the eye and other facial structures, and dental occlusion. Its importance in facial function and aesthetics requires high quality outcomes of the treatment. CASE PRESENTATION: This paper reports the case of a 46-year-old man who had an occupational accident resulting in extensive facial trauma and zygomatic fractures. The patient presented with hyposphagma, palpable step in the area of the infraorbital rim, paresthesia of the right infraorbital nerve, flattening of zygomatic prominence, abrasion of the chin and nose, a 7-cm laceration in the midface region, ecchymosis in the palate, and alteration in the dental occlusion without limitation of mouth opening. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the zygomatic complex fractures. The treatment was reduction and fixation with plates and screws. CT was used throughout the treatment period as an essential diagnostic tool for accurate fracture assessment and classification, formulation of the surgical plan, and postoperative evaluation. CONCLUSION: This case study illustrated the correct use of CT for improved and efficient treatment of traumatic injury of the zygoma, an anatomical area where restoration of function and aesthetics is challenging. The patient signed a written informed consent statement for publication.
RESUMO
The great incidence and controversies related to the diagnosis, treatment, surgical accesses, and type of osteosynthesis materials confer an outstanding role to condylar fractures among facial fractures. Plate configurations, with diverse formats and sizes, may be used to surgically resolve condylar fractures. With the purpose of improving the advantages and minimizing the disadvantages of fixation techniques, the neck screw was developed aiming at the needed stabilization to render a correct fixation through a system of dynamic compression. This is achieved by increasing the contact between the fractured bone stumps, as well as assisting at the time of fracture reduction. The present paper aims at comparing the fixation and stability of mandibular condylar fractures using the neck screw and an overlaid "L"-shaped-4-hole-2 mm plate on the one hand, with a system in which the neck screw and the "L"-shaped plate form a single structure, having been joined by a welded point, on the other hand. The results with the neck screw are satisfactory, and, thus, it is an alternative for the reduction and fixation of fractures of the mandibular condyle, whether or not a plate is joined to the structure, provided it is correctly prescribed and with adequate surgical sequence and technique.
