Zygomatic Complex Fractures and Management

Zygomatic complex is the term used for the structure formed by the zygomatic bone and parts of anatomically related neighboring bones. It consists of zygomatic bone and parts of maxilla, frontal, temporal and sphenoid bone. It forms the infrastructure of anterolateral part of the face and prominence of the cheek. Along with anatomical and aesthetic, zygomatic complex also shows functional importance as it transmits the occlusal stress to the base of skull along its vertical and horizontal struts. Fracture of this region varies in severity from a simple crack to major disruption. Fracture may involve only zygomatic arch or may have varying degree of involvement of soft tissues and bones of the complex. The zygomatic complex is more important as it serves as a bony wall,separating orbital constituents from maxillary sinus and temporal fossa. Zygomatic complex fracture is the second most common fracture of facial region just behind isolated nasal fractures. The purpose of this book was to overview various surgical treatment modalities for zygoma fractures and weigh the pros and cons of each so as to arrive at a conclusive decision regarding the surgical line of treatment to be followed.