Zygomatic arch fractures have always been treated with blind closed reduction and is the most commonly used method. Blind reduction of fractures might lead to inadequate reduction and associated complications of facial asymmetry and limitations in mouth opening which may require reoperation for correction. Various methods like portable CT scan, C arm fluoroscopy, endoscopy and ultrasound have been proposed and used to visualize the reduction for better outcome. Out of these, ultrasound is inexpensive, easily available, easy to use, non-ionizing and has greatest potential to be used as standard for visual reduction of zygomatic arch fractures. There are studies where ultrasound has been compared to blind method and other modalities but level I evidence and recommended protocol for its intraoperative use has been lacking.
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Post operative radiographic evidence of adequate reduction
Timeframe: 24 hours
Facial profile symmetry
Timeframe: one week to four weeks
Number of reoperations
Timeframe: 24 hours
Mouth opening
Timeframe: at 24 hours postoperatively