Evaluation Of Efficacy Of Microplates In The Management Of Zygomatic Complex Fractures - An Observational Study

Background: The maxillofacial trauma is a more tedious and esthetically challenging surgeries till date.Microplates are materials which help us to achieve this both technically and esthetically with less obstacles.They take the maxillofacial trauma to the next level. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of Micro plates in fixation of Zygomatico- Complex fractures (Fronto Zygomatico Suture, Zygomatico Maxillary Buttress and Infra Orbital Rim). Materials and Methods: Study sample consists of 14 subjects with Zygomatico- Complex fractures, above 18 years of age. Microplates were used for fracture fixation. Intraoperatively - operating time, Hardware failure (screw breakage) was noted. Postoperatively - Stability of fracture fragments, Infection, Pain & Need for plate removal was noted. All cases have been evaluated clinically for various parameters for minimum of 3 months to assess any postoperative complications. Results: Total number of microplates used in the study is 29. Among them 14 were fixed in Fronto Zygomatic Suture area, 12 were fixed in Zygomatico Maxillary Buttress area and 3 were fixed in Infraorbital Rim area. The mean operation time per patient was 46.19 minutes. The time taken for placement of one screw was highest in the zygomatico maxillary buttress region (80.00 secs.).One screw fractured in Fronto Zygomatic Suture region & two screws in Zygomatico Maxillary Buttress. There was no screw breakage in Infra Orbital Rim region. One screw loosened while placement in Zygomatico Maxillary Buttress region. Post-operative pain present during first week reduced to 0% within one month. One patient needed for plate removal. Conclusion: The overall results demostrated a success rate of zygomatico complex fractures. Infra Orbital Rim had the highest success rate of 100.00%. This study using microplates had given promising results, hence may be considered as a valid tool in the management of zygomatico complex fractures.