How is a broken cheekbone diagnosed. What are the common symptoms of a cheekbone fracture. When is surgery necessary for a broken cheekbone. What does cheekbone fracture surgery involve. How long does recovery take after cheekbone surgery. What are potential complications of untreated cheekbone fractures. Are there non-surgical treatment options for minor cheekbone injuries.

Understanding Cheekbone Fractures: Causes and Symptoms

Cheekbone fractures, also known as zygomatic fractures, are a type of facial fracture that can occur due to various traumatic incidents. These injuries often result from car accidents, sports-related impacts, falls, or physical assaults. Understanding the nature of these fractures is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The cheekbone, or zygomatic bone, plays a vital role in facial structure and function. It forms part of the eye socket, protects the eye, and contributes to the overall contour of the face. When fractured, it can lead to both aesthetic and functional issues.

Common Symptoms of a Cheekbone Fracture

• Pain and tenderness in the cheek area
• Swelling and bruising around the cheek and eye
• Flattening or indentation of the cheek
• Difficulty opening the mouth or moving the jaw
• Numbness in the cheek, nose, or upper lip
• Vision problems, including double vision or blurred vision
• Nosebleeds

Do all cheekbone fractures exhibit the same symptoms? Not necessarily. The severity and location of the fracture can influence the symptoms experienced. Some individuals may have a more subtle presentation, while others might have more pronounced signs of injury.

Diagnosis and Assessment of Cheekbone Injuries

Proper diagnosis of a cheekbone fracture is essential for determining the appropriate treatment plan. Medical professionals utilize a combination of physical examination and imaging techniques to assess the extent of the injury.

Physical Examination

During the initial assessment, a healthcare provider will carefully examine the affected area, looking for visible signs of injury such as swelling, bruising, or deformity. They will also check for any sensory changes or limitations in jaw movement.

Imaging Studies

To get a detailed view of the fracture, various imaging techniques may be employed:

• X-rays: Provide a basic view of the bone structure
• CT scans: Offer detailed 3D images of the facial bones
• MRI: May be used to assess soft tissue damage

Why are CT scans often preferred for diagnosing cheekbone fractures? CT scans provide highly detailed images of the facial bones, allowing doctors to see the exact location and extent of the fracture. This information is crucial for planning appropriate treatment, especially if surgery is being considered.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Minor Cheekbone Injuries

Not all cheekbone fractures require surgical intervention. In cases of minor injuries or stable fractures, non-surgical management may be sufficient. These conservative treatment approaches focus on symptom relief and allowing the bone to heal naturally.

Rest and Ice Therapy

One of the primary non-surgical treatments involves rest and the application of ice to the affected area. Ice helps reduce swelling and alleviate pain. It’s typically recommended to apply ice for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, during the first 48-72 hours after injury.

Pain Management

Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort. In some cases, prescription pain relievers may be necessary for more severe pain.

Soft Diet

To minimize stress on the fractured cheekbone, patients are often advised to stick to a soft diet for several weeks. This reduces the need for extensive jaw movement during eating.

Monitoring and Follow-up

Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to ensure proper healing. Your healthcare provider will monitor the progress of the fracture and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

How long does it typically take for a minor cheekbone fracture to heal with non-surgical treatment? The healing time can vary, but most minor fractures show significant improvement within 4-6 weeks. Complete healing may take several months.

Surgical Interventions for Severe Cheekbone Fractures

In cases of more severe or complex cheekbone fractures, surgical intervention may be necessary. The goal of surgery is to realign the fractured bones, restore facial symmetry, and ensure proper function of the affected area.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)

This is the most common surgical technique used for cheekbone fractures. During an ORIF procedure:

1. The surgeon makes small incisions to access the fractured bone
2. The bone fragments are carefully realigned to their proper position
3. Small plates and screws are used to hold the bones in place
4. The incisions are closed with sutures

What are the advantages of the ORIF technique? ORIF allows for precise realignment of the fractured bones and provides stable fixation, which can lead to better healing outcomes and reduced risk of long-term complications.

Minimally Invasive Approaches

In some cases, minimally invasive techniques may be employed. These approaches involve smaller incisions and the use of specialized instruments to reposition the fractured bones. While not suitable for all fractures, minimally invasive methods can result in less scarring and potentially faster recovery times.

Bone Grafting

In cases where there is significant bone loss or damage, bone grafting may be necessary. This involves taking bone from another part of the body (or using synthetic materials) to rebuild the damaged area of the cheekbone.

The Surgical Process: What to Expect

Understanding the surgical process can help alleviate anxiety and prepare patients for their procedure. Here’s an overview of what typically occurs during cheekbone fracture surgery:

Pre-operative Preparation

• Comprehensive medical evaluation
• Discussion of anesthesia options
• Fasting instructions for the day of surgery
• Temporary cessation of certain medications

The Surgery

Cheekbone fracture surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. The specific steps can vary based on the nature of the fracture, but generally include:

1. Administration of anesthesia
2. Careful incisions to access the fracture site
3. Realignment of bone fragments
4. Fixation of bones using plates and screws
5. Closure of incisions

How long does a typical cheekbone fracture surgery take? The duration can vary depending on the complexity of the fracture, but most procedures last between 1-3 hours.

Immediate Post-operative Care

After surgery, patients are closely monitored in a recovery area. Pain management and prevention of complications are the primary focuses during this time. Most patients can return home the same day or after a short hospital stay, depending on the extent of the surgery and their overall health status.

Recovery and Rehabilitation After Cheekbone Surgery

The recovery process following cheekbone fracture surgery is crucial for ensuring optimal healing and minimizing complications. While each patient’s experience may vary, there are general guidelines and expectations for the post-operative period.

Initial Recovery Phase

The first few days after surgery are typically characterized by:

• Swelling and bruising around the cheek and eye area
• Discomfort or pain, managed with prescribed medications
• Limited facial movement to protect the surgical site
• Frequent application of cold compresses to reduce swelling

Dietary Considerations

A soft or liquid diet is usually recommended for the first few weeks after surgery. This helps prevent undue stress on the healing bones and surgical sites. Gradually, patients can transition back to a normal diet as advised by their surgeon.

Activity Restrictions

To promote proper healing, certain activities are typically restricted in the weeks following surgery:

• Avoiding strenuous physical activities
• Refraining from contact sports
• Limiting jaw movements (e.g., excessive yawning or chewing)
• Sleeping with the head elevated to reduce swelling

When can patients typically return to work after cheekbone fracture surgery? The timeline varies depending on the nature of the job and the extent of the surgery, but many patients can return to light duty work within 1-2 weeks. More physically demanding jobs may require a longer recovery period of 4-6 weeks or more.

Follow-up Care

Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon are essential to monitor healing progress. These visits may include:

1. Removal of any non-dissolvable sutures
2. Assessment of bone healing through imaging studies
3. Evaluation of facial symmetry and function
4. Adjustments to the recovery plan as needed

Long-term Rehabilitation

In some cases, additional rehabilitation may be necessary to restore full function and appearance:

• Facial exercises to improve muscle strength and flexibility
• Scar management techniques
• Possible cosmetic procedures for optimal aesthetic results

Potential Complications and Long-term Considerations

While most cheekbone fracture surgeries are successful, it’s important to be aware of potential complications and long-term considerations. Understanding these factors can help patients make informed decisions and take appropriate precautions during their recovery.

Immediate Post-operative Complications

Some potential short-term complications include:

• Infection at the surgical site
• Excessive bleeding or hematoma formation
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia
• Temporary nerve damage leading to numbness or tingling

Long-term Considerations

Potential long-term issues that may arise after cheekbone fracture surgery include:

• Persistent numbness or altered sensation in the cheek area
• Visible scarring (though usually minimal due to incision placement)
• Asymmetry of facial features
• Chronic pain or discomfort
• Hardware-related issues (e.g., palpable plates or screws)

Can the plates and screws used in cheekbone fracture surgery cause problems later? While most patients don’t experience issues with the hardware, in rare cases, the plates or screws may become noticeable or cause discomfort. If this occurs, a follow-up procedure to remove the hardware may be considered.

Preventive Measures

To minimize the risk of complications and ensure the best possible outcome, patients should:

1. Follow all post-operative instructions carefully
2. Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
3. Report any unusual symptoms or concerns promptly
4. Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection
5. Protect the face from further injury during the healing process

Long-term Monitoring

Even after the initial recovery period, it’s important for patients to remain vigilant about their facial health. Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help identify and address any emerging issues early on.

Advancements in Cheekbone Fracture Treatment

The field of facial trauma surgery is continually evolving, with new techniques and technologies emerging to improve patient outcomes. These advancements aim to enhance surgical precision, reduce recovery times, and improve both functional and aesthetic results.

3D Printing and Custom Implants

One of the most exciting developments in cheekbone fracture treatment is the use of 3D printing technology. This innovation allows surgeons to:

• Create detailed 3D models of the patient’s facial structure for surgical planning
• Design and fabricate custom implants that perfectly match the patient’s anatomy
• Improve the accuracy of bone repositioning during surgery

How does 3D printing technology improve outcomes in cheekbone fracture surgery? By providing surgeons with patient-specific models and implants, 3D printing can lead to more precise reconstructions, potentially reducing surgery time and improving aesthetic outcomes.

Minimally Invasive Techniques

Advancements in minimally invasive surgery are also being applied to cheekbone fracture repair. These techniques may involve:

• Endoscopic approaches that require smaller incisions
• Specialized instruments for manipulating bones through small access points
• Innovative fixation methods that provide stability with less hardware

Bioabsorbable Materials

Research is ongoing into the use of bioabsorbable plates and screws for facial fracture fixation. These materials offer several potential advantages:

• Gradual absorption by the body, eliminating the need for hardware removal
• Reduced risk of long-term complications related to permanent implants
• Potential for improved long-term outcomes in growing patients

Virtual Surgical Planning

Advanced computer software now allows surgeons to plan complex reconstructions virtually before entering the operating room. This technology enables:

1. Precise measurement and analysis of the fracture
2. Simulation of different surgical approaches
3. Creation of custom surgical guides for use during the procedure

What are the benefits of virtual surgical planning in cheekbone fracture repair? This technology can lead to more predictable results, reduced operating times, and potentially improved outcomes by allowing surgeons to anticipate and plan for challenges before surgery begins.

Future Directions

Looking ahead, several areas of research hold promise for further improving cheekbone fracture treatment:

• Stem cell therapies to enhance bone healing
• Advanced imaging techniques for more precise diagnosis and treatment planning
• Robotic-assisted surgery for increased precision in complex cases
• Development of new biomaterials for facial reconstruction

As these and other advancements continue to evolve, patients with cheekbone fractures can look forward to increasingly sophisticated and effective treatment options. However, it’s important to note that the foundation of successful treatment remains a thorough understanding of facial anatomy, careful surgical technique, and comprehensive patient care.

How to treat a broken cheekbone

If you have a broken cheekbone, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the break, but typically involves a combination of rest, ice, and pain medication. Surgery may also be necessary to correct any damage to the bone or surrounding tissue. Here we will discuss how a broken cheekbone can be treated surgically, as well as what to expect from the recovery process following your procedure.

What are facial fractures?

Facial fractures refer to broken bones in any area of the face, including the cheekbones, nose, upper and lower jaw and the area surrounding the eyes. In most cases, facial fractures occur as the result of trauma to the face — some of the most common causes of these injuries include car accidents, sports injuries, assault, and hard knocks or falls.

Most facial fractures cause some level of pain and discomfort. When it comes to cheekbone fractures specifically, some of the most common symptoms include pain, particularly associated with the movement of the jaw; flattening of the affected cheek; and problems with vision.

In many cases, cheekbone and eye socket injuries occur together — in this case, symptoms may include a black eye; blurry vision numbness in the cheek, eyelids and/or forehead; and swelling in the cheek and forehead.

What are the treatment options?

The severity of your injury will determine the treatment that is most appropriate for you. If your doctor recommends surgery, their goal will be to reposition the damaged bones in order to improve function and prevent further damage.

If cheekbone surgery is an option for you, your surgeon will explain the procedure in detail to you before beginning treatment. When you see your surgeon for a consultation, it is advisable that you raise any questions or concerns that you have.

During cheekbone surgery, your surgeon will make one or more small incisions through the hairline through which the cheekbone can be accessed and repositioned. These incisions will be hidden to ensure that you are not left with any visible scarring.

What does the recovery involve?

You will need to stay in hospital for a short period following cheekbone surgery. It is completely normal to experience some pain and discomfort when the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off, and your surgeon will prescribe the appropriate medications to help alleviate these side effects. In some cases, antibiotics will be prescribed in order to prevent infection.

Other side effects of cheekbone surgery include bruising and swelling, which are most evident in the first 48 hours or so following the procedure. These side effects will gradually resolve with time, and your surgeon will explain how to best take care of your site of surgery during the recovery period.

How can we help?

If you have a cheekbone injury as a result of an accident, assault, sporting incident or fall, we can help. At OMFS in Melbourne, we offer a range of procedures for the treatment of facial trauma, including cheekbone surgery.

If you decide to go ahead with cheekbone surgery, the procedure will be performed under general anaesthetic. Your surgeon will make a small incision through the hairline in the temple so that they can access the cheekbone and place it in back in the correct position. Sometimes, small plates and screws are used to hold the cheekbone and eye socket in place.

If you would like to find out more about cheekbone surgery, what the process involves and what to expect from the recovery period, please have a look here.

We also offer a range of other oral and maxillofacial procedures. If you have an existing concern or need an emergency procedure for the treatment of facial trauma, we can help. To see our full scope of procedures, please have a look here.

To arrange an appointment, please get in touch here or give us a call on (03) 9347 3788.

Fracture of the Cheekbone | Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

• Reference Number: HEY-139/2020
• Departments: Oral Surgery, Dentistry and Max Fax
• Last Updated: 16 July 2020

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Introduction

This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about your treatment. Most of your questions should have been answered by this leaflet.  It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and the healthcare team, but may act as a starting point for discussion.   If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team.

What are fractures of the cheekbone?

Your cheekbone has been broken. The cheekbone forms part of the eye socket, both protecting the eyeball and supporting it from below. It is also linked to the side of the nose and the upper jaw (figure 1) . The doctor who examined you has already established the number of fractures, where they have occurred and whether they need treatment to help them heal. There are occasions when no treatment is required and the doctor will advise you if this is the case.

Why do I need treatment?

There can be a number of reasons why the fracture requires treatment; the most common is to overcome flattening of the side of the face or to give a better chance of return of feeling to the cheek, nose and upper lip.

The treatment that is about to take place involves a general anaesthetic, i.e. you will be asleep during the operation.

Can there be any complications or risks?

Bleeding in and around the eye socket very rarely occurs (about one in a thousand) but when it does it can cause a problem with eyesight, which may lead to blindness following surgery. You will be closely monitored in the first few hours after your operation to make sure that if this happens it will be recognised and treated quickly. If you experience worsening vision or pain in and around your eye when you get home you should return to hospital immediately.

There is a nerve that runs through the cheekbone that supplies feeling to the cheek, the side of your nose, your upper lip, gum and teeth. This nerve may have been bruised at the time of the fracture and as a result you might already feel some tingling or numbness over your face. This tingling may also be caused or made worse by surgery if the nerve is stretched or bruised as the bone is moved. For most people once the fracture has been treated the numbness gets better on its own, although it may take months or even a year to do so. Some patients are left with numbness, or other feelings such as burning.

Any cuts made on the face will produce a scar but these should fade with time and after a few months are usually difficult to see.

Bleeding from the incisions is unlikely to be a problem but should the area bleed when you get home this can usually be stopped by applying pressure over the site for at least 10 minutes with a rolled up handkerchief or gauze swab.

If a cut is made in the skin of the lower eyelid the outside of the lid may occasionally be pulled down slightly (an ectropion). This tends to settle on its own but may need further surgery.

If it has been necessary to put any plates or screws in your cheekbone to hold it in position these are not normally removed because they tend not to cause problems unless they become infected. The metal that is used is titanium, which does not set off metal detectors in airports etc. Sometimes they can be felt through the skin if they are close to the surface, in which case they sometimes give rise to an ache in cold weather.

How do I prepare for the operation?

Please read the information leaflet. Share the information it contains with your partner and family (if you wish) so that they can be of help and support. There may be information they need to know, especially if they are taking care of you following this operation.

Once you are asleep the cheekbone will be put back in the right place. This usually involves a small cut about an inch long through the hair in the temple. It may be necessary to shave a small area of hair. Sometimes a straight-forward lift of the bone is all that is required, but if the surgeon does not feel that your cheekbone will stay in the correct position on its own, it may be necessary to hold it in place with small metal plates and screws, or insert a metal pin through the bone and inside of the nose.

Putting these plates and screws into the cheekbone may require one or more alternative incisions:

•  A cut made close to the outside end of the eyebrow.
•  A cut made on the inside of the mouth through the gum above the teeth.
• A cut made in the skin crease just below the lower eyelashes, or in a crease below the eyelid, or on the inside of the lower eyelid.
•  A cut in the cheek.

These incisions are put back together again at the end of the operation with stitches. Stitches on the skin need to be removed after a week but any stitches inside the mouth are usually dissolvable although they can take a fortnight or even longer to fall out.

What will happen?

You will be given a letter detailing where you should attend, starving instructions and the time to report to the ward. Staff on the ward will greet you and show you round. You will be seen by the Doctor and possibly the anaesthetist. The type of anaesthetic you will be having is called a general anaesthetic. You will be prescribed pain relief to manage any pain you may suffer following the operation.

What happens afterwards?

Some fractures of the cheekbone produce a break in the floor of the eye socket that needs attention. In such cases a cut on the inside / outside of the lower eyelid is necessary as described above. Occasionally the bones in the floor of the eye socket are shattered and do not support the eyeball properly even if they are put back in the right position. In these circumstances it may be necessary to “graft” the floor of your eye socket to support the eyeball. If this is known in advance the graft material that is going to be used will be discussed with you before you sign any consent form for your operation, but thin sheets of plastic, metal mesh, or bone grafts from other areas of your body may be used.

It is likely to be sore and regular pain relief medication will be arranged for you. The discomfort is usually worse for the first few days although it may take a couple of weeks to completely disappear. Cheekbone fractures usually heal without infection but it may be necessary to give you antibiotics, particularly if a “graft” has been used. Initially it may be necessary to give you antibiotics through a vein in your arm whilst you are in hospital. You will be sent home with pain relief medication and a course of antibiotics if necessary.

There is a variable amount of swelling and bruising in the skin around the eyelids. Occasionally the whites of the eyes may become bruised giving them a red appearance. All these changes are most noticeable the first day after the surgery and have very much reduced by the end of the second week. Swelling and bruising can be improved by using cold compresses.

The usual stay in hospital is for one night following the surgery. If there is uncertainty about the position of the bone the following day it may be checked with X-rays before you are allowed home. If the bone is not in a satisfactory position it may be necessary to re-operate.

Even if the position of the fractured bone has been held with plates and screws it still takes about six weeks for your cheekbone to heal completely. During this time you need to be careful to avoid an injury to this side of your face, since it may well push the cheekbone back out of position again. You should also avoid blowing your nose for two weeks following surgery because otherwise this can produce swelling in and around the eye.

Before you leave hospital an appointment will be arranged for you to be seen in the outpatient department to take out any stitches and for review. It is important to keep any stitches or dressings dry until they are removed. If you have any incisions inside your mouth it may be difficult to clean your teeth around stitches because it is sore. It is best to keep the area free from food debris by gently rinsing your mouth with a mouthwash of hot salt water (dissolve a flat teaspoon of kitchen salt in a cup of hot water) commencing on the day after surgery after meals.

Depending on the nature of your work it may be necessary to take a fortnight or so off, and to avoid strenuous exercise for this time. Some sports with a high risk of facial injury should not be performed for up to three months.

It is important to remember that you will not be able to drive or operate machinery for 48 hours after your general anaesthetic.

Some of information included in this leaflet has been provided by the https://www.baoms.org.uk/patients/procedures/

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Maxillofacial Unit (01482) 463218

General Advice and Consent

Most of your questions should have been answered by this leaflet, but remember that this is only a starting point for discussion with the healthcare team.

Consent to treatment

Before any doctor, nurse or therapist examines or treats you, they must seek your consent or permission. In order to make a decision, you need to have information from health professionals about the treatment or investigation which is being offered to you. You should always ask them more questions if you do not understand or if you want more information.

The information you receive should be about your condition, the alternatives available to you, and whether it carries risks as well as the benefits. What is important is that your consent is genuine or valid. That means:

• you must be able to give your consent
• you must be given enough information to enable you to make a decision
• you must be acting under your own free will and not under the strong influence of another person

Information about you

We collect and use your information to provide you with care and treatment. As part of your care, information about you will be shared between members of a healthcare team, some of whom you may not meet. Your information may also be used to help train staff, to check the quality of our care, to manage and plan the health service, and to help with research. Wherever possible we use anonymous data.

We may pass on relevant information to other health organisations that provide you with care. All information is treated as strictly confidential and is not given to anyone who does not need it. If you have any concerns please ask your doctor, or the person caring for you.

Under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018 we are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any information we hold about you. For further information visit the following page: Confidential Information about You.

If you or your carer needs information about your health and wellbeing and about your care and treatment in a different format, such as large print, braille or audio, due to disability, impairment or sensory loss, please advise a member of staff and this can be arranged.

symptoms, signs, types and methods of treatment of a fracture of the cheekbone in Moscow at the Center for Surgery “SM-Clinic”

general information

Classification

Symptoms

Diagnostics

Operations

Expert opinion of a doctor

Rehabilitation

Question answer

General information

Fracture of the zygomatic bone is a violation of its integrity against the background of mechanical impact. Most often it is localized in the area of ​​attachment of the cheekbone to other structures of the skull: the frontal, temporal or maxillary bones, less often in the region of the arch. Injury can occur with a strong blow (during a fight, traffic accident, etc.), as well as with a slight load, if the bone is affected by a pathological process. Damage can be treated both conservatively and surgically, when fragments are fastened with special brackets or plates.

Classification of zygomatic fractures

Symptoms of a cheekbone fracture

Diagnosis

Cheekbone injuries are diagnosed by traumatologists and maxillofacial surgeons. As a rule, a preliminary diagnosis is made at the stage of questioning and examining the patient, including palpation of the affected area. To confirm this version and clarify the type of fracture, the following are appointed:

• x-ray of facial bones;
• CT scan of the damaged area (relevant for suspected complicated and/or comminuted fractures).

If the patient is to undergo surgical treatment, a standard set of preoperative examinations is carried out.

Surgery for fractures of the zygomatic bone

The choice of treatment for a fracture of the zygomatic bone depends on the results of the examination and the type of injury. Uncomplicated injuries without displacement of bone fragments or with a slight displacement can be eliminated conservatively. In other cases, surgery is required.

To restore the normal anatomy of the cheekbone, the doctor makes an incision in the skin of the face or inside the mouth. Special instruments are inserted into the wound, with the help of which bone fragments are set in place. To fix them in the correct position, special wire seams or plates are used. Sometimes devices for external immobilization are used. After the operation is completed, the skin or mucous membrane is sutured.

Medical expert opinion

Rehabilitation after surgery

The patient stays in the hospital for 1-3 days, depending on the complexity of the operation. After discharge, it is necessary to limit physical activity for 7-14 days, avoid excessive overheating (hot bath, bath, sauna) and hypothermia. It is not recommended to visit the pool and swim in open water, as well as stay in the open sunlight and visit the solarium. Until the final fusion of the bones, sports that can cause re-injury (boxing, wrestling, hockey, etc.) are completely prohibited. Full rehabilitation in the absence of complications takes about 1-1.5 months.

Q&A

If a person has signs of a zygomatic fracture, ice should be applied to the area of ​​the injury. In the presence of wounds, they are washed and closed with a sterile napkin. Painkillers are allowed. After providing first aid, you must go to the emergency room or hospital.

No, casts are not applied. Occasionally, external fixation devices are used.

Sources

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Treatment of fractures of the zygomatic bone

The zygomatic bone is one of the paired elements of the skull structure, consisting of dense spongy plates. The fragility of these areas causes a high probability of fracture under active mechanical action, the consequences of which depend on the complexity of the deformation. For simple cases, the absence of displacement of debris is characteristic, as well as the preservation of the bone structure against the background of damage to the arch itself. However, any damage of this kind requires medical intervention, which excludes negative consequences for the health of patients.

Types of fractures of the zygomatic bone

In accordance with the accepted classification, several types of fractures are distinguished, for differentiation of which various criteria are used:

Characteristic signs of pathology include:

• Limited mobility of the jaw region;
• Pain when trying to open the mouth;
• Distortion of the facial contour and deformation of the bone structure;
• Hemorrhage into mucous tissue, eyelid structure or conjunctiva;
• Bleeding from the nose on the side of the injured cheekbone;
• Visual disturbances, swelling of the areas around the eyes, severe headache.

At the first suspicion of a fracture of the zygomatic bone, you should consult a doctor and undergo a comprehensive diagnosis.

First aid

In a situation of severe injury, first aid should be provided to the victim by those around him. Medical recommendations exclude self-adjustment of individual parts of the skull or contact with open wounds. The main tasks are to create conditions for complete rest, to exclude re-injury, to try to stop the bleeding and call the ambulance team.

In case of acute pain, an anesthetic injection is allowed. To stop continuous bleeding, it is necessary to press down on the artery. In cases where the wound is small, it is possible to treat the area with hydrogen peroxide, as well as ensure accurate application of cold.

Diagnostic methods

Methods such as visual examination and palpation are used to determine the fracture of the zygomatic bone. In difficult cases, an X-ray examination is prescribed to clarify the severity of the damage, as well as to determine the optimal recovery tactics. The resulting image reflects a violation of the integrity of the tissues, as well as a likely decrease in the transparency of the axillary regions and the continuity of the outer radius of the orbit near the affected area.

Features of treatment

The treatment plan is determined by the symptoms of the pathology, the results obtained during the X-ray examination, as well as the assessment based on the results of the medical examination. The priority task is the restoration of an integral bone structure. In situations where the anomaly is characterized by a displacement of the cheekbone, surgical intervention is prescribed, the purpose of which is to correct the position of the separated elements.

If the injury is not associated with displacement, it is possible to limit yourself to conservative therapy, which involves taking medications selected based on the indications of the clinical picture. The drugs used include anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial substances, as well as neuroprotectors. In situations where there is a possibility of contact between the wound and a dirty surface, the administration of tetanus serum is also recommended. The standard tactics of conservative treatment includes:

• Providing a calm state for a period of 10-14 days, with partial fixation of the jaw;
• Use of low temperature compresses in the first 48 hours;
• Eating liquid food and prescribing physical therapy.