The Stabilizing Method of Zygomatic Arch Fracture Using Aqua Splint Suture Technique

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

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
The zygomatic arch is the bony arch on both sides of the face consisting of the zygomatic bone. The zygomatic fractures are common maxillofacial injuries second only to nasal fractures due to its anatomical location of its structures. Various techniques have been applied for the treatment of zygomatic arch fractures but there is no desirable modality not only for the reduction but also for supporting depressed bony fragments without esthetic problems. The authors suggest aqua splint suture method, which is a new modality for the treatment of zygomatic arch fractures.
SUBJECTS AND METHOD
In the period from March of 2004 to March of 2005, nine patients who had been performed reduction for zygomatic arch fractures were selected for clinical analysis. We repositioned depressed bony fragments by Gillies approach and stabilized repositioned bony fragments by external & internal fixation using aqua splint suture method.
RESULTS
There were eight men and one woman, ranging in age from 19 to 68 years. All patients had chief complaints for trismus and facial deformities. Postoperative photographs and computed tomography, checked after 3 postoperative months, showed that all patients had the good facial contour and well stabilized bony fragments.
CONCLUSION
The authors suggest that aqua splint suture method is a very simple, quick & effective technique for stabilizing repositioned zygomatic arch fractures.