Publication:

Three point fixation is superior to two point fixation technique for zygomatic complex fracture

Background Isolated zygomatic or malar bone fractures are second most common fracture among facial skeletal injuries. It has been reported that three point fixation is appropriate for isolated zygomatic bone fracture. The objective of current study was to compare the mean difference in terms of malar height outcome by using different fixation techniques (two point and three point) in patients with zygomatic complex fracture.

Methods This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, MMDC, Multan, during a period of six months from 1st June 2017 to 30th November 2017. A total 182 patients of both genders were included in this study. Two point fixation techniques were used in Group-A patients. While 3 point fixation was used in Group-B patients. After 6 weeks follow-up, patients were assessed for malar height. Outcome was measured by comparing the mean difference of pre and postoperative malar height of both techniques. Data were analyzed using computer program SPSS-21. P≤0.05 was taken as significant in all analysis.

Results Among patients in two point fixation group, the mean malar height was 67.55±2.98 mm and in three point fixation group, means malar height was 71.55±2.36 mm. The difference of malar height among two treatments was highly significant with p<0.01.

Conclusions Using three point fixation results better as compared to two point fixations in terms of malar height outcome.