Attempt at systematization in the treatment of isolated fractures of the zygomatic bone: techniques and results.

Two series of cases with isolated zygomatic bone fractures have been compared with regard to the treatment applied and its results, i.e. 258 cases treated by conventional methods, and 437 cases treated by osteosynthesis with miniaturized screwed plates (MSP). In the second series, reduction failure is eight times less frequent than in the first series, and fixation by plates is solid in the three spatial planes. The incidence of postoperative infra-orbital nerve sequelae was diminished by 50% in the second series. This easy, comfortable and efficient method is now used by the authors for the treatment of all unstable zygomatic fractures and in all cases presenting the following functional signs: limited buccal opening, diplopia by trapping, or involvement of the infra-orbital nerve.