Prevention for Collapse Using Aqua Splint(R) in Zygoma Arch Fractures.

Seo, Woo Jin; Kim, Chang Yeon; Hwang, Weon Jung; Kim, Jeong Tae

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons 2007;34(6):813-817.
Published online November 1, 2007.

Prevention for Collapse Using Aqua Splint(R) in Zygoma Arch Fractures.

Woo Jin Seo, Chang Yeon Kim, Weon Jung Hwang, Jeong Tae Kim

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea. cykimd@hanmail.net

Abstract

PURPOSE
The zygomatic arch is a key element which composes the facial contour. In many cases of zygomatic arch fracture, it is difficult to fix rigidly the fractured segments. If reduced bone segments were not fixed rigidly, they are proven to be displaced by mastication or unintentional external forces. So, unfixed zygomatic arch fracture after reduction may require a external device of prevention of collapse. We introduce a new protector which stabilizing the fractured segments to prevent for collapse of the reduced zygomatic arch fracture. METHODS: After reduction of zygomatic arch with blind approach(Gillies', Dingman or Keen's approach), bone segments was pulled with percutaneous traction suture in medial aspect of zygomatic arch. Then, the suture was fixed with Aqua splint(R), externally. And intraoperative and postoperative X-ray was done. The splint was removed on 14 days after the operation.
RESULTS
5 patients were treated with this method. 4 patients of total patients had no collapse in zygomatic arch. There was minimal collapse in one patient. Postoperative complications such as facial nerve injury, mouth opening difficulty, contour deformity, infection, scar were not observed.
CONCLUSION
In comparison with other techniques, this technique has several advantages which are simple and easy method, short operation time, no scar, less soft tissue injury, and facilitated removal of splint. Therefore, Aqua splint(R) would be a good alternative to prevent for collapse in unstable zygomatic arch fractures

Keywords: Zygoma arch fracture; Aqua splint(R)