Trancutaneous versus intraoral approach to isolated zygomatic arch fractures: A comparison of two techniques

Zygomatic arch fractures are caused by a vector force orthogonal to the bone segment that causes the collapse of the arch through depression of the bone fragments. Reduction of isolated zygomatic arch fractures are usually only of esthetic interest, with the exception of those cases where the fracture causes an impingement with the underlying mandibular coronoid process, causing limitation of mandibular movements. Reduction is usually performed with an extraoral approach, more rarely through a transoral approach. In this article, authors compare the traditional transcutaneous technique with the intraoral approach in 2 groups for a total number of 42 patients. For what concerns the correct alignment of the fragments, the 2 techniques have shown being equivalent. Although the intraoral approach has shown being a faster surgical procedure leaving no visible incision, allowing faster recovering and reduced postoperative pain.