ABSTRACT
The zygomatic bone fuses with the frontal bone at the frontozygomatic (FZ) suture under the eyebrow, with the maxilla medially and with the temporal bone posteriorly and within the orbit. The body of the zygoma provides the aesthetic prominence of the cheek and together with the supraorbital ridge affords some protection to the eye. Apart from isolated zygomatic arch fractures, nearly all other fractures involve part of the orbital floor and lateral orbital wall. It is argued that fractures should be treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), as displacement may be caused by masseteric pull over the ensuing weeks. The chapter discusses radiographs and other useful investigations, indications for reduction and timing of surgery, and arch fractures. Once the orbit/zygoma has been reduced, the orbit becomes a closed space and swelling is contained, resulting in an orbital compartment syndrome (OCS).
