Effectiveness of Dual-Maneuver Using K-Wire and Dingman Elevator for the Reduction of Unstable Zygomatic Arch Fracture

Article information

Arch Craniofac Surg. 2014;15(2):59-62
Publication date (electronic) : 2014 August 14
doi : https://doi.org/10.7181/acfs.2014.15.2.59
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea.
2National Health Insurance Corporation Ilsan Hospital, Ilsan, Korea.
Correspondence: Jiye Kim. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Wonju Christian Hospital, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, 20 Ilsan-ro, Wonju 220-701, Korea. gen80@yonsei.ac.kr
Received 2014 June 30; Revised 2014 July 23; Accepted 2014 August 01.

Abstract

Background

The zygoma is the most prominent portion of the face. Almost all simple zygomatic arch fractures are treated in a closed fashion with a Dingman elevator. However, the open approach should be considered for unstable zygomatic arch fractures. The coronal approach for a zygomatic arch fracture has complications. In this study, we introduce our method to reduce a special type of unstable zygomatic fracture.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed zygomatic arch view and facial bone computed tomography scans of 424 patients who visited the Wonju Severance Christian Hospital from 2007 to 2010 with zygomaticomaxillary fractures, among whom 15 patients met the inclusion criteria.

Results

We used a Dingman elevator and K-wire simultaneously to manage this type of zygomatic arch fracture. Simple medial rotation force usually collapses the posterior fractured segment, and the fracture becomes unstable. Thus, the posterior fracture segment must be concurrently elevated with a Dingman elevator through Keen's approach with rotation force applied through the K-wire. All fractures were reduced without any instability using this method.

Conclusion

We were able to reduce unstable and difficult zygomatic arch fractures without an open incision or any external fixation device.

INTRODUCTION

The zygoma is the most prominent portion of the face and is commonly injured during facial trauma [1]. The zygomatic arch is a component of the zygomatic complex and makes up the part of anterior-lateral region of the face [2]. Isolated arch fractures comprise 10% of all zygoma fractures and 5% of all facial bone fractures [3]. Treatment of zygomatic arch fractures varies from observation to open reduction. Some methods provide better aesthetic results through transcutaneous access using a hook, cutaneous access through the temporal region (Gillies' technique), or intra-oral access (Keen's technique) [4]. Almost all simple zygomatic arch fractures are treated in a closed fashion with a Dingman elevator using the Gillies' or Keen's approach [5]. However, complicated and unstable arch fractures require open reduction, and many studies have reported open methods to be more effective [6]. However, there are many difficulties and risks associated with an open approach. The coronal approach carries the risk of leaving a long scar, scalp numbness, alopecia, or temporal hollowing in addition to the usual risks associated with long operation time [7]. In this article, we introduce a method that does not use an open approach but is useful in reducing a special type of unstable zygomatic arch fracture.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 424 patient zygomatic arch views and facial bone computed tomography scans who visited our hospital from 2007 to 2010 with zygomaticomaxillary fractures. Only 15 cases fell into our specific category-cases in which the fracture segment was laterally rotated and the lateral margin of the fractured segment was more posterior than the typical zygomaticomaxillary fracture and the posterior segment was impacted under the posterior zygoma border (Fig. 1). This type of fracture develops from bidirectional force; and as such, an additional reduction force is needed apart from the Kirschner-wire on the malar prominence.

Fig. 1

Configuration of unstable zygomatic arch fracture. Dotted arrow, trauma force; red arrow, rotation vector.

Patients were admitted to surgery under general anesthesia for reduction and fixation of the fracture. We used a Dingman elevator and a K-wire to manage our specific type of zygomatic arch fracture (Figs. 2, 3). Dingman elevator was used through intraoral approach. Plate fixation was not used. The K-wire was inserted percutaneously at the malar prominence between the arch and body of zygoma. The malar prominence was determined by the intersectional point of the Frankfort horizontal line and the oblique vertical line between the lateral palpebral fissure and corner of the mouth [8]. All of the K-wires used were between 1.2 mm and 1.5 mm in diameter and were removed prior to the end of operation. After the operation, reduced arch and zygoma were protected by applying customized cutting paper cup.

Fig. 2

Dual maneuver using K-wire and Dingman elevator. Red arrow, rotation vector; green line, inserted K-wire on zygoma segment; blue device, Dingman elevator.

Fig. 3

Reduction method. (A) Reduction using K-wire. (B) Reduction using Dingman elevator and K-wire.

RESULTS

We used a Dingman elevator and K-wire simultaneously to manage this type of zygomatic arch fracture. Simple medial rotation force usually collapses the posterior fractured segment, and the fracture becomes unstable. Thus, the posterior fracture segment must be concurrently elevated with a Dingman elevator through Keen's approach with rotation force applied through the K-wire. All fractures were reduced without any instability using this method (Fig. 4). We did not need an open method. No complications occurred in the immediate postoperative period, and there was no injury to the facial nerve.

Fig. 4

A 40-year-old man with right zygomatic arch fracture. (A) Preoperative photograph. (B) Immediate postoperative photograph.

DISCUSSION

Treatment of zygoma fractures varies from observation to Kirschner-wire fixation and open approaches such as mini-plate fixation. Almost all simple zygomatic arch fractures are treated in a closed fashion with a Dingman elevator using Gillies' or Keen's approaches [5]. More extensive access is required when there is a need for osteosynthesis, which may involve an open preauricular or coronal approach or even an extension of infraorbital access. An unstable and complicated arch fracture also requires an open method [6]. Although open methods are more effective, the coronal approach carries the risk of leaving a long scar, scalp numbness, alopecia, or temporal hollowing in addition to the usual risks associated with a long operation time. In the study, the operation time of dual method was similar to or slightly longer than the Gillies' procedure and was much shorter than the time of open surgery. Thus, closed reduction techniques represent the traditional method for nearly all zygomatic fractures.

However, closed reduction of all arch fractures may result in incomplete reduction or more unstable fractures, leading to unsatisfactory cosmetic outcomes and persistent functional disturbances. A reasonable application of different treatment methods, according to careful assessment of the fracture types, is necessary for successful outcomes.

A zygomatic arch fracture is the result of an assortment of traumas, and the nature of each fracture varies according to the type of injury involved, including whether it was a low energy or high energy injury, the result of falling down, or due to a traffic accident [4]. These traumas may cause isolated zygomatic arch fractures or zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures due to one-vector force or unstable zygomaticomaxillary complex factures due to two-vector force. In severe cases, the trauma may result in a comminuted arch fracture. In any case, variations in force vectors result in a spectrum of fracture types. Most commonly, one-vector injuries result in simple type fractures such as M-shape arch fractures and can normally be treated by closed reduction.

In this study, the type of fractures examined was the result of trauma from at least two vectors, particularly those leading to lateral rotation of the malar prominence where the lateral margin of the fractured segment was more posterior than in typical cases of zygomaticomaxillary fractures and also where the posterior segment was impacted under the posterior zygoma border. In these cases, prior treatment methods involving access through the temporal region (Gillies' technique) or intra-oral access (Keen's technique) may be inadequate to achieve complete reduction [4]. While these unstable fractures can be reduced through open surgery, we determined that shortcomings of open reduction could be overcome by applying a dual-maneuver reduction with a Kirschner-wire and a Dingman elevator. The Kirschner-wire is placed percutaneously at the junction between the arch and the body of the zygoma, allowing for medial rotation of the fractured segment to the malar prominence. Therefore, Dingman elevator insertion using Keen's technique was possible and more efficient reduction was accomplished.

The use of Kirschner-wire for surgical reduction of zygomatic arch fractures has already been introduced in 2010 [9]. Recent reports have favored percutaneous Kirschner-wire fixation as a less invasive technique for simple and complicated zygoma fractures. The combination of Gillies' elevation with one-point percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation of isolated simple zygoma fractures was effective in restoring preinjury appearance and function and avoiding soft tissue morbidity.

We conclude that the dual-maneuver with Kirschner-wire and Dingman elevator for the specific type of unstable fracture results in successful reduction without requiring open surgery.

Notes

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

References

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Fig. 1

Configuration of unstable zygomatic arch fracture. Dotted arrow, trauma force; red arrow, rotation vector.

Fig. 2

Dual maneuver using K-wire and Dingman elevator. Red arrow, rotation vector; green line, inserted K-wire on zygoma segment; blue device, Dingman elevator.

Fig. 3

Reduction method. (A) Reduction using K-wire. (B) Reduction using Dingman elevator and K-wire.

Fig. 4

A 40-year-old man with right zygomatic arch fracture. (A) Preoperative photograph. (B) Immediate postoperative photograph.