Zygomatic and Orbital Fractures at North Austin Campus

The zygoma (zai-gow-muh), also known as the cheekbone, is an important part of the midface. Fractures of the zygoma often occur with fractures of the orbit. When a zygoma is fractured without significant displacement of the bones, then observation may be sufficient. However, if there is significant displacement, then surgery is usually required to restore the contour of the midface (Figure 1). A CT scan is usually needed to assess a zygomatic fracture.

Zygomatic fractures are often associated with orbital fractures. The orbit (or-bit) is the bony socket around the eye. A fracture of the orbit may be associated with eye injury, and the eye should always be evaluated to rule-out an injury. Treatment of an orbital fracture depends on several factors. In some situations, some of the muscles that move the eye may be trapped in the fracture (entrapment), and this requires urgent surgery to release the muscles. If there is no entrapment, treatment depends on the size of the fracture. Small fractures may be treated with observation, while larger fractures usually require surgery to reconstruct the orbit (Figure 1). A CT scan is usually needed to assess an orbital fracture.

Figure 1: An example of a right zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture and right orbital floor fracture, repaired with open reduction and internal fixation, as well as reconstruction of the orbital floor with an implant