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What is a Zygomatic Fracture?

Misty Wiser
Misty Wiser

A simple zygomatic fracture is a hairline break in the zygoma, or cheekbone. Complex fractures may include the cheekbone and part of the orbit of the eye. If the fracture has caused a piece of the cheekbone to move or become displaced, plastic surgery may be needed to restore the pieces of zygoma bone to its original location. Non-displaced fractures are usually treated with ice and pain medications. Receiving prompt medical care may avoid permanent disfigurement, nerve damage, and vision problems.

Most people find that swelling, bruising, and pain are common after a cheekbone fracture. Displaced bone fragments can cause increased pressure on ocular nerves and may cause an intraorbital hemorrhage, resulting in vision problems. Some people may not be able to chew due to restricted masseter muscle movement. Displaced bone fractures may cause the face to look different, and the most common disfigurement is called a dishpan face because of the concave cheekbone.

Plastic surgery may be required to treat a zygomatic fracture.
Plastic surgery may be required to treat a zygomatic fracture.

Complex zygomatic fractures usually require surgery to restore bone stability and a normal appearance. The reconstructive surgery is performed within three weeks of the injury that caused the fracture. In addition to correcting the symmetry of the face, the surgery should restore nerve function and enable the patient to chew comfortably again. It will also relieve pressure on the occipital orbit, correcting the vision problems some people have after the fracture occurs.

Individuals with a zygomatic fracture should avoid sports until it is properly healed.
Individuals with a zygomatic fracture should avoid sports until it is properly healed.

The plastic surgeon will likely use a transoral approach during surgery to repair the zygomatic fracture. Transoral means the surgeon will make an incision inside the mouth to access the fractured bone. This technique reduces visible scarring from the operation. A second incision near the eye orbit may be necessary if a piece of the zygoma bone has been displaced into the orbital rim. Stabilization of the fracture may require titanium plates and screws to be implanted.

Until a zygomatic fracture has properly healed, individuals should avoid blowing their noses.
Until a zygomatic fracture has properly healed, individuals should avoid blowing their noses.

Immediately after the surgery, the oral wound is packed with gauze and a compression wrap may be put on the face to reduce swelling. Painkillers will be prescribed for up to ten days after the operation. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will then be recommended to relieve any residual pain and inflammation.

A person with a healing zygomatic fracture should avoid some activities. Until the fracture has completely healed it is very important not engage in nose blowing. It could force air into the eye orbit and cause blindness. Sports and any other vigorous activity should be avoided until the doctor has released the person to normal activities.

Discussion Comments

Speechie

@amysamp - From what I can tell it does not make sense that it would affect what you can eat or not because a zygomatic fracture would not move too much when you eat since it is your cheekbone.

Or maybe it would hurt a bit but it would not affect the recovery process like trying to eat when your jaw is broken would affect the jaw's recovery process.

Or maybe it would just matter how large the fracture in your zygomatic bone was...

Interesting question though, because I had heard of getting your jaw wired shut for a broken jaw but never for because you broke one of the bones around it.

amysamp

My friend fractured his jaw bone and he had to have his jaw wired shut so he could eat and drink through a straw. He was tired of eating milkshakes and smoothies by the time he was actually able to use his jaw again!

Does this ever happen with a zygomatic bone fracture (where it affects if you can eat or not)?

zeak4hands

I fractured my cheekbone falling face first down onto concrete. It wasn't a really long fall, but I hit the side of my face on the ground. I'm a stubborn person so I insisted that I was okay to my friends that were with me. I was wearing a hat and the brim actually kept my head from slamming the ground.

By the next day, I looked really bad. I went in and my doctor told me that I fractured my cheekbone and but that I would not need surgery because it was a minor fracture.

It took awhile, but my face healed up fine. I was bruised pretty badly though.

anon185601

Why do cheekbones break?

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    • Plastic surgery may be required to treat a zygomatic fracture.
      By: Africa Studio
      Plastic surgery may be required to treat a zygomatic fracture.
    • Individuals with a zygomatic fracture should avoid sports until it is properly healed.
      By: Boggy
      Individuals with a zygomatic fracture should avoid sports until it is properly healed.
    • Until a zygomatic fracture has properly healed, individuals should avoid blowing their noses.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Until a zygomatic fracture has properly healed, individuals should avoid blowing their noses.
    • Immediately after surgery, the wound is packed in gauze to keep it clean.
      By: picsfive
      Immediately after surgery, the wound is packed in gauze to keep it clean.
    • In some cases, ocular surgery is needed to treat a zygomatic fracture.
      By: FotolEdhar
      In some cases, ocular surgery is needed to treat a zygomatic fracture.