Tripod fracture

Tripod fracture is a type of facial fracture that involves three parts of the zygomatic arch. It is also known as a zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture or a malar fracture. The name "tripod" comes from the three areas that are typically broken in this type of injury: the zygomatic process of the frontal bone, the zygomatic process of the maxilla, and the zygomatic process of the temporal bone.

Causes

Tripod fractures are usually caused by high-impact trauma to the face, such as that experienced in a car accident, a fall, or a physical assault. The force of the impact causes the zygomatic arch to break in three places, creating a "tripod" of fractures.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a tripod fracture can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common symptoms include pain and swelling in the cheek area, difficulty opening the mouth, and numbness in the cheek due to damage to the infraorbital nerve. In severe cases, the patient may have difficulty seeing due to damage to the orbital floor.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a tripod fracture is typically made through a combination of physical examination and imaging tests. The doctor may feel for areas of tenderness or deformity in the face, and may also check for numbness in the cheek. Computed tomography (CT) scans are often used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the fracture.

Treatment

Treatment for a tripod fracture depends on the severity of the injury. In mild cases, the fracture may be allowed to heal on its own. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to realign the broken bones and repair any damage to the orbital floor. This is typically done through a procedure known as open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

Prognosis

With appropriate treatment, most people with a tripod fracture are able to make a full recovery. However, complications can occur, including infection, damage to the eye, and long-term numbness in the cheek.

See also

• Facial trauma
• Zygomatic complex fracture
• Maxillofacial surgery