The Usefullness of Ultrasonography in the Treatment of Zygomatic Arch Fractures

Park, Chan Hum; Hong, Sung Ju; Lee, Jun Ho; Yang, Sun Mo; Kwon, Tec Keun; Joung, Ho Hoon

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The zygomatic arch of midface is related to facial contour between skull base and zygomatic bone. The inadequate reduction of zygomatic arch fractures induces cosmetic problems like facial asymmetry and functional problems like limitation of mouth opening. Therefore, the correct diagnosis and adequate treatment of zygomatic arch fractures are needed in early stage and the correct evaluation of repositioned fragment during operation is important for the recovery of cosmetic and functional problem. The aim of this study is to estimate the value of ultrasonography as an intraoperative repositioning monitor in the reduction of zygomatic arch fractures.
SUBJECTS AND METHOD
In the period from March of 2005 to October of 2006, 11 patients who had underwent ultrasonography guided reduction for zygomatic arch fractures were selected for clinical analysis. We repositioned depressed bony fragments via Gillies approach and evaluated continuously the repositioned state of bony fragments during operation using ultrasonography with 7.5 MHz linear transducer.
RESULTS
There were 10 men and one woman, ranging in age from 19 to 74 years. All patients had chief complaints for trismus and pain of affected site and on physical examination, facial swelling, tenderness and depression of affected site were observed. In postoperative photographs and computed tomography scans, which were checked after postoperative 3 months, all patients showed good facial contour, well stabilized bony fragments and good alignment of zygomatic arch.
CONCLUSION
The authors suggest that ultrasonography is a very useful tool for the treatment of an intraoperative repositioning monitory of zygomatic arch fractures.