Comparative Evaluation of L Plate Versus Z Plate for One Point Fixation in Zygomatic Fractures

Abstract

The zygomatic bone’s lateral prominence and convexity make it the most important bone to provide aesthetic facial appearance and set the face width, but at the same time, this prominence and convexity make this bone more susceptible to injury. Among facial injuries, zygomatic-complex fractures or tripod fractures are the second most common fractures after nasal fractures. This study has performed a comparative assessment of fixation of zygomatic buttress by L and Z shaped plate. Fourteen zygomatic-complex fracture patients were selected and split into two groups, further divided into two subgroups (A, B). Group A patients were treated with a titanium Z shaped plate and Group B with L shape plate. One point fixation was performed and was observed in terms of stability, aesthetics and prevention of vertical or horizontal axis of rotation of the fracture segment. Z-shaped plates showed some advantage over L-shaped plates so there use can be preferred in complex fractures where comminuted bone pieces are scattered.