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The facial bones are among the structures frequently affected in traumatic injuries. A zygoma fracture (cheekbone fracture) is one of the fractures that may occur in this area, and clinical evaluation is important because it can affect anatomical regions related to both function and facial structure. For this reason, early assessment by a physician is recommended.
Contents
- What Is the Zygoma?
- Situations That May Cause a Zygoma (Cheekbone) Fracture
- Symptoms of a Zygoma Fracture
- Evaluation of a Zygoma Fracture
- Treatment Approaches for a Zygoma Fracture
- Conservative (Non-Surgical) Management of a Zygoma Fracture
- Surgical Management of a Zygoma Fracture
- Key Considerations in the Treatment of a Zygoma Fracture
- When Is Treatment for a Zygoma Fracture Considered?
What Is the Zygoma?
The zygoma is the bony structure that gives volume and shape to the cheek (malar) region.
This structure is connected to:
- The eye socket (orbit)
- The upper jaw (maxilla)
- The temporal bone
Therefore, fractures in this area may be related to facial contour, jaw movements, nerve passageways, and functions around the eye.
Situations That May Cause a Zygoma (Cheekbone) Fracture
- Traffic accidents
- Falls
- Blows sustained during sports
- Trauma involving physical contact
- Workplace accidents
- Motorcycle/bicycle accidents
Symptoms of a Zygoma Fracture
- Facial asymmetry
- Swelling or bruising around the eye
- Numbness under the eye (involvement of the infraorbital nerve)
- Difficulty opening the mouth
- Double vision or changes in vision
- Changes in the position of the eyeball
- Pain while chewing
If such symptoms are present, it is important to be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Evaluation of a Zygoma Fracture
- Physical examination: facial symmetry, tenderness, and movement limitation are assessed.
- CT (Computed Tomography): provides detailed imaging of the bony structures.
- MRI: may be required to evaluate soft tissue and nerve-related conditions.
Treatment Approaches for a Zygoma Fracture
The treatment approach is determined by considering the severity of the fracture, the degree of displacement, functional impairment, and the patient’s overall condition.
Conservative (Non-Surgical) Management of a Zygoma Fracture
- May be considered in mild fractures without displacement.
- The process proceeds with clinical follow-up and symptom management.
Surgical Management of a Zygoma Fracture
In some fractures, the bones may need to be repositioned to their original alignment. In such cases:
- Bone fixation may be performed using plate-and-screw systems.
- The orbital floor and facial contour may be anatomically restored.
- The procedure is planned while protecting nerve tissue and structures around the eye.
- When necessary, additional corrections supporting overall aesthetic harmony may be performed.
The decision on whether to perform surgery is made based on clinical findings and imaging results.
Key Considerations in the Treatment of a Zygoma Fracture
- The treatment plan is determined according to the severity of the fracture.
- Swelling and bruising may occur after surgery and typically decrease over time.
- Jaw and eye functions are monitored.
- Early evaluation after trauma is clinically important.
- In later presentations, functional and structural corrections may require more detailed planning.
When Is Treatment for a Zygoma Fracture Considered?
- Marked facial asymmetry
- Restricted eye movements or development of double vision
- Decreased sensation in the nerve distribution area
- Displacement of fracture fragments
- A sunken appearance in the orbit or cheek region
In such findings, medical evaluation is important.
Note:
This text is for informational purposes only.
A physician’s evaluation is required for diagnosis and treatment decisions.
