International journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery
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Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg · Mar 2006
Comparative StudyThe role of intraoperative ultrasonography in zygomatic complex fracture repair.
Intraoperative assessment of the zygomatic arch is very important in achieving adequate repositioning. The correct alignment of the zygomatic arch indicates the proper position of the zygomatic bone and ensures adequate prominence of the lateral midfacial aspect. The aim of this study was to estimate the value of ultrasonography as an intraoperative repositioning control. ⋯ The ultrasound images were concordant with the radiographs. Clinical assessment by palpation only succeeded in isolated zygomatic arch fractures with an m-shaped impression, whereas it remained uncertain in nearly all cases with a different dislocation pattern. Ultrasonography was rapid and easy to perform, and is recommended as an intraoperative visualizing tool in all midfacial fractures with displacement of the zygomatic arch.