Endoscopically assisted reduction and rigid fixation of the zygomatic arch fracture.

Lee, Myung Ju; Rim, Hong Chul; Ryu, Bong Soo; Yang, Jeong Yeol

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons 1998;25(5):845-851.
Published online July 1, 1998.

Endoscopically assisted reduction and rigid fixation of the zygomatic arch fracture.

Myung Ju Lee, Hong Chul Rim, Bong Soo Ryu, Jeong Yeol Yang

Abstract

Bicoronal approach is adopted as an universal method for reduction and internal fixation of the fractured zygomatic arch in the treatment of complex zygomatic fracture. However bicoronal approach leaves many disadvantages, such as long incision, alopecia, prolonged edema, and paresthesia. Nowadays endoscopically assisted minimal invasive technique has been widespread not only for the aesthetic surgery, but also for the reconstructive surgical fields because of the benefits. We have been recently trying to apply endoscopic surgery to facial bone fracture surgery. Endoscopically assisted minimal invasive technique has been applied to 14 patients who admitted to Chosun university hospital from March 1996 to July 1997. We used 4 mm, 30' endoscope and two 1.5-2 cm temple incisions and a subciliary incision for approaching to the zygomatic arch. Protected drill bit and driver had access to fractured zygomatic arch though tiny(5 mm) stab incision over the zygomatic arch. We have been able to successfully reduce and make fixation of the fracture of zygomatic arch by using endoscopically assisted minimal invasive technique. Follow up for 3 months revealed good maintenance of the reduction. We think that application of the endoscopic technology to midfacial bone fracture will result in significant reduction in morbidity and improve postoperative results.