Comparison of Treatment Outcomes of Zygomatic Arch Fracture by USG-Guided Closed Reduction against Conventional Closed Reduction-A Quasi-Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND

The closed reduction for zygomatic arch fracture relies on indirect techniques like auditory or tactile feedback intra-operatively and are confirmed post-operatively by radiographs. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of USG-guided arch fracture reduction against conventional reduction techniques.

METHODOLOGY

The patients were randomly allocated for this quasi-randomized controlled trial and study was double-blinded. The fracture reduction was done under USG guidance in test group (USG group). The primary outcome assessed was evaluation of post-operative SMV x-ray. The change in discontinuity pattern between the pre-operative and post-operative x-ray was used to assess the adequacy of reduction. Inter-group analysis was done to compare the outcomes of the test and control group. Secondary outcomes assessed were maximal inter-incisal mouth opening (MIO) and depression along the zygomatic arch.

RESULTS

Study comprised of 29 patients, amongst which 10 patients underwent fracture reduction under USG guidance, while 19 patients underwent reduction by conventional method. Fisher's exact test of post-operative SMV showed a significant difference (p 0.05) between USG group and control group, with the results favouring the USG-guided reduction.

CONCLUSION

USG-guided reduction of zygomatic arch fracture can lead to better fracture reduction in comparison to conventional method of closed zygomatic arch reduction.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12663-025-02528-x.