C-Arm for accurate reduction of zygomatic arch fracture - A case report

Abstract

Fracture of the zygomatic arch is usually treated using blind methods. As the fracture lines cannot be visualised directly in closed reduction, digital exploration and crepitus noise or conventional radiographic imaging are used clinically as a guide to reposition the fragments. Successful closed reductions are often difficult to evaluate clinically because of the great amount of swelling that often accompanies these fractures. Postoperative radiographs are often the only way to assess the adequacy of the reduction. This article describes a technique that uses the C-Arm to quickly and accurately evaluate the reduction intraoperatively so that appropriate corrections can be made. A case report of a patient who suffered a w-shaped depressed fracture of the left zygomatic arch and zygomatico-maxillary complex fracture is presented. © British Dental Journal 2005.