Overview of ZMC Fractures and Epidemiology

Frequently encountered in maxillofacial trauma patients, zygomatic fractures are probably the most common mid-face fracture after a broken nose, so it’s important that you know how to manage them! Joining us today to share some effective strategies is Dr. Aaron Liddell, an oral maxillofacial surgeon at Colorado Oral Surgery and a returning guest to the show. Utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, Dr. Liddell provides facial reconstructive treatment in the Denver metropolitan area, is a consultant surgeon to the Denver Nuggets basketball team, and also serves as faculty for the craniomaxillofacial (CMF) section of AO North America. In today’s episode, Dr. Liddell presents a comprehensive overview of zygomatic complex (ZMC) fractures, how to approach clinical assessment, what primary triage looks like, and optimal surgical or non-surgical treatments following evaluation. We also touch on some helpful tips for communicating frankly with patients about surgical risks and expectations, common post-operative issues, and much more, so be sure not to miss this highly informative conversation!

Key Points From This Episode:

• How zygomatic complex (ZMC) fractures typically occur and how to diagnose them.
• What a thorough clinical or ophthalmologic assessment of a ZMC fracture entails.
• OCS and entrapment: two instances that constitute true ophthalmological emergencies.
• Radiographic evaluation of a ZMC fracture and why CT scans are most common.
• Surgical and non-surgical interventions (and how to know which one to choose).
• The importance of speaking openly with patients about surgical risks and expectations.
• Tips for communicating with patients who are upset about their cosmetic appearance.
• Insight into the coronal approach to zygomatic arch fractures and how rare it is.
• Why Dr. Liddell recommends starting with the simplest incision first.
• A look at some of his preferred types and sizes of plates and screws.
• The most common long-term post-operative issues that patients encounter.
• Reasons to be selective when it comes to surgical management of ZMC fractures.
• Training and fellowships that can benefit those interested in facial trauma.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Aaron Liddell — coloradooralsurgery.com/meet-us/dr-aaron-t-liddell-md-dmd-facs 

Dr. Aaron Liddell on LinkedIn — linkedin.com/in/aaronliddell

Dr. Aaron Liddell Email — aaronliddell@gmail.com 

AO Foundation North America — aofoundation.org/aona

AO CMF NA Course: Management of Facial Trauma — events.aona.org/event/eventdetailresp/9880

Speechify — speechify.com

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — everydayoralsurgery.com 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059