Closed reduction and skeletal traction apparatus in the treatment of complete monofragment zygomatic tetrapod fractures

To analyse postoperative results after complete monofragment zygomatic fractures treatment with the use of closed reduction,closed reduction and stabilisation with skeletal traction apparatus,and rigid miniplate osteosynthesis. hospital records and radiograms of 342 patients were analysed according to postoperative outcome and complications connected with the procedure. 287 male and 55 female treated for zygomatic fractures (mean age-38.0±14.95 sd). complications related to the inaccurate reduction of the fractures were the most common and appeared in 45 patients,among which minor asymmetry was the most frequent. in an overwhelming majority of cases,the function of the infraorbital nerve was fully restored. the opening width of the patients' jaws after the fracture reposition conformed to the norm. these complications ocurred with a similar frequency,regardless of the method of fracture reposition (p>0.05). closed reduction with the use of the j-shaped curved hook gives good aesthetic and functional outcome in treating some complete monofragment tetrapod fractures. if reduction is not fully stabilised,stabilisation bone fragments with the use of skeletal traction apparatus prevents bone fragments from prolapsing. closed reduction and its combination with skeletal traction apparatus is a quick,cheap and effective method of treatment for selected patients with zygomatic fractures. it is also easy to perform and burdened with few complications.