Evaluating the efficiency of transbuccal instrumentation in open reduction and internal fixation of zygomatic arch fracture – A clinical study
Main Article Content
Abstract
Zygomatic arch fractures are common facial injuries resulting from trauma and require precise anatomical reduction to restore facial symmetry and function. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using transbuccal instrumentation has emerged as a minimally invasive technique to achieve accurate realignment of the zygomatic complex. This study evaluates the clinical outcomes of ORIF of zygomatic arch fractures using the transbuccal approach in terms of function, aesthetics, and complication rates.
Materials and Methods:
This prospective clinical study was conducted on 30 patients diagnosed with isolated zygomatic arch fractures. Patients underwent ORIF using transbuccal instrumentation under general anesthesia. A 2 mm titanium miniplate was fixed at the zygomatic arch using screws inserted through a transbuccal trocar. The follow-up period extended for 6 months, with assessments of postoperative swelling, mouth opening, and aesthetic restoration at intervals of 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Complications such as infection, plate exposure, and malunion were recorded.
Results:
Out of 30 patients, 28 (93.3%) achieved satisfactory anatomical reduction and aesthetic restoration, while 2 patients (6.7%) required revision surgery due to plate displacement. Average postoperative mouth opening improved from 20 mm to 40 mm over 3 months. Minimal postoperative swelling subsided in 95% of cases by the end of the first month. Two patients experienced mild temporary paresthesia of the infraorbital nerve, which resolved within 3 months. No infections or hardware-related complications were observed during the follow-up period.
Conclusion:
ORIF using transbuccal instrumentation is a safe and effective technique for treating zygomatic arch fractures, providing excellent functional recovery and aesthetic outcomes with minimal complications. This method offers a reliable alternative to conventional techniques, particularly for isolated zygomatic arch fractures.