Objective: To investigate a new classification and treatment of zygomatic complex fractures (ZCF) by clinical and radiographic studies.
Methods: Standard radiographs with Waters, submental vertex views had been obtained before and after operation in 206 patients (212 sides) with ZCF. Patients with complicated fractures underwent two and three dimensional CT. Computer-assisted measuring system was used to measure the degree of displacement.
Results: ZCF were classified into 3 types and 6 subtypes according to the degree of displacement of segments and facial deformities. Treatment principles were proposed. The results were satisfied through clinical application and measurement of post-operative images.
Conclusions: The treatment for ZCF should be selected according to the fracture types. The key of operation is to recover the malar prominence. Remodeling the length and radian of zygomatic arch guarantee the recovery of malar prominence. Zygomatic-sphenoid and zygomatic-maxillary fissures are very important reference marks for reduction and fixation.