Choice of operative method for management of isolated zygomatic bone fractures; evidence based study.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the treatment outcome of different methods for reduction and fixation of isolated zygomatic bone fractures using degree of displacement as a guide to classify patients into closed and open reduction groups. METHODS This Clinical Trial was conducted at de' Montmorency College of Dentistry/Punjab Dental Hospital, Lahore between 21st July 2000 and 30th June 2003. Sixty patients with isolated zygomatic bone fractures were assigned to open and closed reduction groups of treatment depending on the degree of fracture displacement. Adequacy of reduction was evaluated by comparing pre and post operative radiographs. Aesthetic outcome was assessed by biometric evaluation. RESULTS Reduction was adequate in all patients except four. In two of four no facial deformity was apparent. No patient showed post surgical change in position of reduced zygomatic bone. Biometric evaluation revealed acceptable aesthetics and adequate mouth opening in all except two patients. CONCLUSION Our study indicates that displacement of 2 mm at any of the fractured site on occipitomental radiographs can be successfully used as a criterion to assign patients into open and closed reduction groups, for treatment of isolated zygomatic bone fractures.