Delayed treatment of zygomatic tetrapod fracture

Abstract

Since maxillofacial injury is frequently accompanied by other diseases, its evaluation and treatment are open delayed. When the evaluation is delayed, the surgical treatment can be difficult or impossible. A 21-yr-old man presented with right facial swelling and deformity after injury. We planned immediate surgical repair for his right tetrapod fracture, but the operation was delayed for two months due to severe hyperthyroidism. During the operation, we reducted and fixed the deviated bone after refracture of the zygomatic arch with an osteotome to achieve mobility. The facial deformity and difficulty in mouth opening were improved after the operation. Even in the presence of accompanying fractures, early evaluation and proper management can prevent complications and achieve acceptable cosmetic outcomes in maxillofacial trauma patients. In patients with malunion of fracture sites, fixation after refracture using an osteotome can be a good treatment option for obtaining good mobility. 2010 by Korean Society of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.