(3) Treatment. Protect the area from further injury. Evacuate the patient for
further evaluation. Usually, a specialist will need to wire the jaw and perhaps perform
surgery.
(1) Description of zygoma or malar bone (cheek bone) problem. The cheek
bone occupies a prominent position in the structure of the face. The zygomatic bone
meets other facial bones at three points. If there is trauma to the zygoma, a problem
usually occurs at one of these three points. Sutures are another name for the three
points: the zygomaticofrontal suture, the zygomaticomaxillary suture, and the
zygomaticotemporal suture. The zygoma is in a prominent position and liable for all
kinds of trauma, but the most common trauma is from blows of fists. Blows to the
zygoma may cause the bone to move in almost any direction, but it usually is displaced
downward and inward.
(2)
Signs/symptoms. Included are the following:
(a) Pain.
(b) Swelling.
(c)
Ecchymosis (bruise).
(d) Epistaxis (nosebleed) on one side if injury at zygomaticomaxillary
suture or if maxillary sinus lining is torn.
(e) Pain on opening the mouth.
(f)
Injured side of face flattened or depressed.
(g) Teeth don't make proper contact for chewing.
Treatment of oral fractures (mandible, maxilla, zygoma).
(3)
(a)
Protect the patient from further injury.
(b) Evacuate for further evaluation.
(c)
Usually requires wiring of jaw and/or surgery.
MD0582
4-5