Tripod Fracture

Tripod Fracture

Probably the most common facial fracture is the tripod or zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture, so called because it involves separation of all three major attachments of the zygoma to the rest of the face.

Where is a tripod fracture located?

They are the second most common facial bone fracture after nasal bone injuries. The fracture complex results from a direct blow to the malar eminence and results in three distinct fracture components that disrupt the anchoring of the zygoma.

Which bone is involved with tripod fracture?

Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fracture (Tripod Fracture)

Buttresses: two major buttresses of the ZMC are the upper transverse maxillary (across the zygomaticomaxillary and zygomaticotemporal sutures) and the lateral vertical maxillary (across the zygomaticomaxillary and frontozygomatic sutures)

What is a tetrapod fracture?

However, the term tetrapod fracture is a more accurate description because 4 suture lines are disrupted. The term ZMC fracture describes a spectrum of injuries that includes nondisplaced fractures, fractures displaced at an isolated buttress, and severely comminuted fractures with bone loss.

What happens if the zygomatic bone is damaged?

Fractures of the ZMC or zygomatic arch can often lead to unsightly malar depression, which should be corrected to restore a normal facial contour. ZMC fractures can also cause significant functional issues, including trismus, enophthalmos and/or diplopia, and paresthesias of the infraorbital nerve.

How is a zygomatic fracture treated?

Surgical intervention is an effective treatment modality of depressed zygomatic complex fractures, whereas a nonsurgical approach is often used for nondisplaced fractures. Most zygomatic complex fractures can be treated solely by an intraoral approach and rigid fixation at the zygomaticomaxillary buttress.

What is Gillies approach?

Temporal (Gillies) approach – Skin incision

The Gillies technique describes a temporal incision (2 cm in length), made 2.5 cm superior and anterior to the helix, within the hairline. A temporal incision is made. Care is taken to avoid the superficial temporal artery.

Which complication is associated with a perforated globe?

There are some postoperative complications in ruptured globe injuries, such as a secondary cataract, corneal belted degeneration, iris atrophy, and an irregular pupil. Long-term contact between the silicone oil and lens is another factor for a secondary cataract. Fortunately, a cataract is easy to treat and correct.

Which type of fracture is most likely to cause trismus?

A posterior mandibular buttress fracture, especially when associated with a displaced fracture of the condylar process or dislocation of the temporomandibular joint, can cause malocclusion and trismus.

What is the maximum time that a facial wound closure can be extended?

It appears that wounds of the face and scalp can be primarily closed whenever they are seen, as long as infection is not already present. There are significant data that primary closure of other wounds can be safely done up to a maximum of 19 hours after the wound.

When do you use ZMC fracture?

Surgical indications for concomitant orbital fractures include significant fractures of the inferior orbital rim, orbital floor defects greater than 2 cm2, and significant posterior displacement (> 1 cm2) of the ZMC body.

How long does it take for a fractured face to heal?

They will heal themselves over 3-6 weeks. want to bring the broken bones back into a normal alignment (called ‘reducing’ the fracture) and keep it/them in this place (called ‘fixing the fracture’), preventing further injury. Sometimes they will need to operate to do this.

Why is it called tripod fracture?

The zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture, also known as a quadripod fracture, quadramalar fracture, and formerly referred to as a tripod fracture or trimalar fracture, has four components, three of which are directly related to connections between the zygoma and the face, and the fourth being the orbital floor.

What is the malar tripod?

Zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures, also known as tripod, tetrapod, quadripod, malar or trimalar fractures, are seen in the setting of traumatic injury to the face.

What is a malar bone fracture?

The term malar complex fracture refers to a fracture which in its classic form primarily involves the suture lines of the zygomatic bone.

Which complication can result from a zygoma fracture?

Malunion is the most common complication of zygomatic fractures and is the result of improper reduction and fixation, resulting in malocclusion, facial asymmetry, and enophthalmos. Extraocular muscle entrapment, although usually attributable to the initial fractures, also can occur secondary to fracture repair.

How long does a zygomatic fracture take to heal?

Cheekbone fractures rarely get infected, so you will not usually need antibiotics. Swelling and bruising can be reduced by using cold packs and sleeping propped up for the first few days. Even if you have plates and screws to hold your cheekbone in place, it still takes about six weeks for the bone to heal completely.

How do I know if my zygomatic bone is broken?

Broken cheekbone/upper jaw (zygomatic maxillary fracture)
Flatness of the cheek.Altered sensation underneath the eye on the affected side.Problems with eyesight.Pain with jaw movement.

Maya Lin-Takahashi
Author

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.