Zygomatic Arch Fractures: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Roshani Jagannath Kotian , Dentists

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Zygomatic arch fractures involve damage to the cheekbone area and often result from facial trauma. These injuries affect both appearance and jaw function.

Early diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial for reducing complications and restoring facial symmetry and function. Prompt medical care helps avoid long-term consequences.

What are the Zygomatic Arch Fracture Symptoms and Warning Signs?

Symptoms of a zygomatic arch fracture can range from visible deformities to functional issues. Recognizing the signs early ensures proper treatment and reduces the risk of permanent damage. Early intervention helps prevent complications and preserves facial symmetry, nerve function, and normal jaw mobility.

Common Symptoms

• Facial pain or tenderness
• Swelling in the cheek area
• Visible flattening of the cheekbone

Severe Symptoms

• Restricted jaw movement
• Numbness in the cheek or upper lip
• Double vision or blurred vision

Seek medical care if facial trauma results in deformity, pain, or sensory changes.

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What are the Different Types of Zygomatic Arch Fractures?

Zygomatic arch fractures are classified based on how the bone breaks and shifts. Each type requires different treatment approaches. Understanding the type of fracture helps determine whether conservative management or surgical repair is needed. Proper classification is essential for restoring both form and function.

• Non-Displaced Fractures: The bone remains in place with no significant movement.
• Displaced Fractures: Bone fragments shift from their normal position.
• Comminuted Fractures: The bone fractures into several pieces and usually needs surgery to fix it. This type of fracture is more serious, and proper treatment is crucial for healing and restoring standard facial shape and function.

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What are the Common Causes and Risk Factors of Zygomatic Arch Fractures?

Zygomatic arch fractures usually happen due to accidents, falls, or other physical injuries. Sometimes, weak bones or health problems can also cause them.

Knowing the reasons can help you prevent such injuries. These fractures are more common in high-impact situations and can get worse if your bones are weak or you're not using proper safety gear.

Causes

• Blunt trauma from road accidents
• Sports-related facial injuries
• Falls or physical assault

Risk Factors

• Contact sports without face protection
• Weak bone structure due to disease
• Osteolytic conditions or bone tumors

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How are Zygomatic Arch Fractures Diagnosed?

Proper diagnosis combines clinical exams and imaging to confirm the injury and plan the treatment. Medicover offers specialized diagnostics for facial trauma. Accurate and timely imaging ensures a detailed understanding of bone displacement and nerve involvement for effective intervention.

Diagnostic Methods

• Physical exam for facial symmetry and jaw function
• X-rays for initial assessment
• CT scan (gold standard) for a detailed view

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What are the Treatment Options for Zygomatic Arch Fractures?

Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture and whether the patient has any concerns regarding appearance or function. At Medicover, our experienced maxillofacial surgeons provide personalised care. With a proper treatment plan, we aim to restore your normal appearance and function while preventing future issues, such as jaw problems or facial imbalances.

Treatment Approaches

• Non-Surgical Management: For non-displaced fractures, using pain relief, rest, and monitoring
• Surgical Intervention: For displaced fractures or deformity correction
• ORIF (Open Reduction Internal Fixation)
• Minimally invasive approaches like the Gillies temporal technique
• Recovery: Recovery varies by case. Surgery may require a few weeks of healing, during which time you will have limited mouth movement.

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When to See a Doctor?

Seek medical attention if you:

• Suffer facial trauma with visible deformity or swelling
• Have restricted jaw movement or facial numbness
• Notice asymmetry or persistent cheek pain

High-risk groups

• Athletes
• Elderly individuals are prone to falls
• Patients with bone-weakening diseases

Don't ignore symptoms after facial injuries. Timely treatment prevents complications and ensures faster recovery.

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What is the Recovery Process After Zygomatic Arch Fracture Treatment?

Recovery includes post-surgical care and long-term monitoring. Medicover supports patients through every stage with follow-up care and rehabilitation.

Following aftercare instructions properly and attending regular check-ups helps in faster healing and reduces the chances of complications or the problem recurring.

Post-treatment care

• Avoid hard foods and trauma to the face
• Follow the surgeon's advice for medication and hygiene

Long-term outlook:

Most patients recover fully. Some individuals may experience minor residual effects, such as numbness.

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What Precautions Can Help Prevent Zygomatic Arch Fractures?

Preventing facial fractures requires basic safety measures, especially during sports or high-risk activities. Taking proactive steps helps protect against serious injuries and promotes overall safety and bone health.

Prevention

• Wear protective gear during contact sports
• Use seatbelts and helmets
• Address bone health issues early

Complications

• Infection post-surgery
• Nerve damage causing numbness
• Facial deformity or malocclusion

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Our Experience Treating Zygomatic Arch Fractures

At Medicover, our expert surgeons are experienced in treating facial fractures, including those involving the zygomatic arch.

We use advanced scans and surgical methods to give personalised care. Our goal is to help you heal well, with good looks and proper facial function, ensuring the best possible recovery for each patient.

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