6 Questions
What is the zygomatic arch?
Part of the cheekbone that provides support to the face and protection.
What can cause a zygomatic arch fracture?
Being hit on the side of the face, falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and violence.
What are some injuries that can accompany zygomatic arch fractures?
Fractured skull, concussion, facial lacerations, or injury to the orbit.
How is a zygomatic arch fracture treated?
By resetting the bone either manually or surgically using pins and screws.
Why is immediate medical attention important for a fractured zygomatic arch?
To prevent complications like infection, malunion, or non-union.
Who may require surgery for a zygomatic arch fracture?
Children who haven't finished growing, older adults with osteoporosis, or in cases of severe force.
Study Notes
Zygomatic Arch Fractures
The zygomatic arch is one of the most commonly broken bones in the body. It's part of the cheekbone, which helps support your face and provides protection from the outside world. Being hit on the side of the face can cause a blow strong enough to break this bone. In children who haven't finished growing yet, older adults with osteoporosis, or when the force is great enough, these fractures may require surgery to restore the function of the eye socket.
Causes
Zygomatic arch fractures typically occur due to falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and violence. They often accompany other injuries such as a fractured skull, concussion, facial lacerations, or injury to the orbit. These injuries might also damage the nerves around the eye or blood vessels near the nose, causing visual problems or difficulty breathing through the nose.
Treatment
Treatment for a zygomatic arch fracture depends on how severe it is. If the bone has not been pushed back into its proper position, doctors will need to reset it. This is done either by hand or using pins and screws surgically inserted into the bone. Afterward, the bone must heal naturally, but this process can take several months.
If you think you have a fractured zygomatic arch, seek immediate medical attention. Untreated fractures could result in complications like infection, malunion, or non-union.
Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for zygomatic arch fractures. Understand how falls, accidents, sports injuries, and violence can lead to these fractures, and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention to prevent complications. Explore the surgical and non-surgical methods used to treat zygomatic arch fractures.
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