Surgical Management of Zygoma Fractures in Patients with Pre-injury Facial Asymmetry

The zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) can account for up to 40% of midface fractures. They are the second most common facial fracture following nasal bone fractures [1]. These fractures commonly stem from assault, motor vehicle accidents, and athletics [1-3]. The ZMC is an important component of facial structure as it defines midface width and malar projection. The ZMC is often referred to as a tetrapod with the four legs representing facial buttresses. When these buttresses are fractured and unstable, the midface can take on a widened and flattened appearance altering facial aesthetics. Current surgical modalities to repair the fracture(s) and/or restore facial symmetry include reduction with or without internal fixation, or camouflaging procedures like fat grafting and implant placement [2-6].