Purpose : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of reduction and stability of fixation of isolated unilateral zygomatico-maxillary complex (ZMC) fracture without infraorbital rim fixation and also to formulate an operative strategy that will achieve the surgical objective of stable fixation while minimizing the morbidity of procedure.
Materials and methods : Eighty two patients with isolated unilateral ZMC fracture over a period of 4 years were randomly assigned into two point fixation group. Results of the fixation were analyzed on immediate post operative day, 1st, 12th and 24th postoperative week respectively. This included clinical, radiological and photographic evaluation.
Results : All patients maintained better stability at fracture sites resulting in decreased incidence of dystopia, enophthalmos, infraorbital scar, paresthesia of infraorbital region. The patients had better malar projection and height as measured radiologically.
Conclusion : We conclude that two point rigid fixation of ZMC fractures are not only adequate but are very stable. Compared to the three point fixation technique, it is less morbid with least complications.