Zygomatic bone fracture.

OBJECTIVE

To find out the number and etiology of fractures of zygomatic bone.

DESIGN

Observational study.

PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY

This study was carried out at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Mayo Hospital, Lahore from January 2001 to December 2002.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 209 cases were treated during a period of two years. A detailed history and examination was done and findings were confirmed radiologically.

RESULTS

There were 184 (88.04%) male and 25 (11.96%) female patients. In 117 (56 %) cases only the zygomatic bone was involved while in the rest of the 92 (44 %) cases, fracture occurred in combination with fracture of other facial bones. The youngest patient in the series was 9 years of age and the oldest of 80 years. Most of the patients were in the third decade of life (35%). Most common etiology was road traffic accidents, followed by interpersonal violence. In half of the road traffic accidents, motorcyclists were involved.

CONCLUSION

Most common etiology of the fractured zygomatic bone was road traffic accidents. Measures, like various awareness campaigns, raising the traffic sense in public, wearing helmets while driving the motorcycle, can minimize number of these cases.