The zygomatic bone, also known as the cheekbone, is a facial bone that connects to four other bones in the skull. It is often fractured due to sports injuries, falls, or physical assaults. Damage must be treated promptly to prevent permanent facial deformities or vision problems. Surgery may be required to ensure proper alignment and preserve the structure of the eye socket.
The zygomatic bone is a facial bone in the front of the skull. Also known as the malar bone, the zygomatic bone makes up the cheekbone and the outer portion of the eye socket. It connects to four other bones in the skull, the temporal, frontal, maxillary, and sphenoid bones. There are two zygomatic bones, one on each side of the face. They are roughly diamond shaped.
Zygomatic comes from the Greek term zygoma or zygon, which means yoke. The zygomatic bone is sometimes referred to as the zygomatic bone, but this term is also sometimes used to refer to the zygomatic process or zygomatic arch, other areas of the facial bones of the skull. Attached to the zygomatic bone is the zygomaticus major, a facial muscle that helps produce facial expressions such as smiling.
Fractures of the zygomatic bone are the second most common facial fractures, after fractures of the nasal bone. They occur most often in men younger than 20 and are most commonly caused by sports injuries, falls, automobile accidents, or physical assaults. Wearing a seat belt while driving and using protective sports clothing can reduce the chance of injury.
Damage to the cheekbone structure is also common among women experiencing domestic abuse. Unfortunately, these types of fractures are easy to miss on initial exams after facial trauma because they don’t always show up clearly on traditional x-rays. Damage to the zygomatic bone must be treated promptly to prevent permanent facial deformities or reduced jaw bone mobility. Vision can also be affected.
Treatment for zygomatic bone fractures varies depending on their exact location and severity. In some cases, surgery is required to ensure proper alignment as the bone heals. One danger in fractures of this bone is a change in the size or shape of the eye socket, which can cause long-term vision problems or damage to the eyeball. Surgical procedures often need to focus on preserving the structure of the eye socket and properly aligning the eyeball within the socket.
In severe fractures of the zygomatic bone, specially designed plates and screws should be used to stabilize and restructure the bone and promote healing. Other measures sometimes need to be taken to protect the eyeball and preserve the correct structure of the eye socket. After surgery to rebuild the zygomatic bone, most surgeons will prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. Infection after this procedure is rare.
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