53414 - Zygomatic Fracture Fixation (3 Sites)

The need for treatment of a zygomatic bone fracture requiring surgical reduction and fixation at three sites arises when a patient sustains a highly complex and unstable fracture of the cheekbone—typically from severe trauma such as a motor vehicle accident or a fall from height—resulting in significant displacement, structural instability, or functional impairment, necessitating surgical repositioning and stabilisation under anesthesia with assistance in a hospital using internal or external fixation, or both, at three distinct points. This procedure is indicated for the most severe zygomatic fractures, critical in the maxillofacial region where the zygoma’s position influences facial symmetry, eye function, and jaw alignment.

Specific scenarios driving this need include:

• High-impact trauma: A forceful blow shattering the zygomatic bone into multiple fragments might require reduction and fixation at three sites to restore its arch and orbital support, preventing collapse or asymmetry.
• Multi-point instability: Fractures at the zygomaticofrontal suture, maxillary buttress, and arch could destabilize the entire cheekbone, needing screws or plates at each site to secure it firmly.
• Orbital involvement: Displacement affecting the eye socket might impair vision or eye movement, necessitating precise repositioning and fixation to protect ocular function.
• Facial deformity: Severe flattening or widening of the cheek could compromise aesthetics and jaw mechanics, requiring extensive stabilisation to regain normal contour and support.

For example, a patient with a zygomatic fracture from a sports collision might need surgical reduction with plates at three sites to correct a sunken cheek and restricted eye movement, with the assistant ensuring accurate alignment across multiple fracture lines. In an aged care setting, an elderly patient with a complex zygomatic injury from a fall could require this to restore facial structure and prevent chronic pain, adjusted for their frailty and brittle bones. By reducing the fracture and applying fixation at three points, this service ensures robust stability, restores facial aesthetics, and preserves critical functions, making it an essential procedure for managing the most severe zygomatic fractures within the maxillofacial framework.

Restores complex zygomatic stability, corrects severe deformity, and preserves eye and jaw function.

Recovery of 6-8 weeks with swelling, restricted motion, and fixation care; hospital stay required.