Evaluation of sub-brow approach to the frontozygomatic suture for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) of Zygomatico maxillary complex (ZMC) fractures: A prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION: Contemporary incisions used to access the frontozygomatic (FZ) sutures are the lateral brow and upper blepharoplasty incisions which are associated with specific limitations and complications. The authors describe the use of sub-brow incision as an alternate approach for exposure of the FZ region. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study involving patients requiring surgical management of zygomatico maxillary complex (ZMC) fractures with fixation at FZ suture alone or along with fixation at infra-orbital rim and/or zygomaticomaxillary buttress. A sub-brow incision was used to expose the fracture and fixation was done with a 4-hole miniplate. The parameters evaluated were specific to the FZ region (sub-brow incision), namely surgical access, bleeding, fracture exposure time, post-operative scar, and pain. Each patient was reviewed on 1(st), 5(th), 7(th), 10(th), 30(th), and 90(th) day. RESULTS: The study sample included eight male patients. The mean age was 30 years. The sub-brow incision demonstrated favorable postoperative outcomes; adequate exposure was achieved in all 8 patients. The scar formation was found to be higher on the 7(th) day and the least scar formation was seen by the third month. The mean pain score was found to be high on first post-operative day and the least pain was seen by the 10(th) day. The mean score of surgical field bleeding was found to be 1.75 which signified mild bleeding according to Fromme’s scale. The mean time taken for adequate exposure of the fracture was 6.62 min. All the assessment parameters were statistically significant (P value <0.01). CONCLUSION: Sub-brow incision is an effective approach for ORIF of zygomatic fractures at FZ suture. The technique is quick, simple, and associated with minimal complications.