What is a tripod facial fracture?

Probably the most common facial fracture is the tripod or zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture, so called because it involves separation of all three major attachments of the zygoma to the rest of the face.

What is a malar tripod fracture?

They are the second most common facial bone fracture after nasal bone injuries. The fracture complex results from a direct blow to the malar eminence and results in three distinct fracture components that disrupt the anchoring of the zygoma.

What bones are in a tripod fracture?

Zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures, also known as tripod, tetrapod, quadripod, malar or trimalar fractures, are seen in the setting of traumatic injury to the face….They comprise fractures of the:

• zygomatic arch.
• inferior orbital rim, and anterior and posterior maxillary sinus walls.
• lateral orbital rim.

What is the causes of tripod fracture?

Cause. The cause is usually a direct blow to the malar eminence of the cheek during assault. The paired zygomas each have two attachments to the cranium, and two attachments to the maxilla, making up the orbital floors and lateral walls. These complexes are referred to as the zygomaticomaxillary complex.

How long does it take for a fractured face to heal?

a normal alignment and require no acute treatment. They will heal themselves over 3-6 weeks. want to bring the broken bones back into a normal alignment (called ‘reducing’ the fracture) and keep it/them in this place (called ‘fixing the fracture’), preventing further injury.

What is a malar bone fracture?

The term malar complex fracture refers to a fracture which in its classic form primarily involves the suture lines of the zygomatic bone.

What does the tripod position do?

The tripod position helps to lower your diaphragm and open your lung space to decrease shortness of breath. If you cannot catch your breath using this position, you should seek medical care.

What are the signs and symptoms of a zygomatic fracture?

The most common symptoms associated with ZMC fractures include pain, edema, and ecchymosis of the cheek and eyelids. Malar flattening and palpable periorbital step-offs, often occur. The traumatic force and pull of the masseter muscle may result in medial, inferior, and posterior rotation of the zygoma.

What is a tripod fracture?

The tripod fracture (officially known as the zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture, and sometimes called a malar fracture) is the most common one seen after trauma. Fundamentally, the zygoma is separated from the rest of the face in a tripod fracture. As you might imagine (tripod fracture), there are three components to this fracture.

How do you fix a tripod fracture?

Zygomatic Complex Fracture (Tripod Fracture) Deviation of the mandible to the side away from the injury can help improve extrusion of the jaw Be prepared for flexible endoscopic nasal and tracheostomy, especially in cases of cervical spine injury where exposure would be difficult.

Which suture fractures are associated with zygomaticomaxillary fractures?

fracture of the zygomatic arch and/or diastasis of the temporozygomatic suture fractures of the inferior orbital rim and anterior and posterior maxillary sinus walls and/or diastasis of the zygomaticomaxillary suture

What causes diplopia after an orbital fracture?

Extraocular muscles may become trapped in the fracture line, leading to diplopia. It is very important to do a good eye exam to try to detect entrapment. The infraorbital nerve also passes through the orbital floor and may be injured, leading to n umbness along the lower eyelid and upper lip.