A clinical study on complications following fractures of the malar bone and zygomatic arch

Complications in 90 patients (100 locations) with malar bone fractures including zygomatic arch fractures treated at our department from January 1986 through December 1991 were reviewed and analyzed in relation to the fracture patterns using the Knight & North classification. Their characteristics were as follows:1. Limitations in mouth opening were found in 37 (53%) of 70 cases without mandibular fractures.2. Infraorbital paresthesia was found in 40 (48%) of 81 locations.3. Of 61 cases, diplopia was found in 5 cases (8%) and reduction of visual acuity in 4 cases (7%).4. Of 100 locations evaluated according to the Knight & North classification, 39 locations (39%) were Group I, 19 locations (19%) Group II, 14 locations (14%) Group V, 12 locations (12%) Group III, 10 locations (10%) Group VI, and 6 locations (6%) Group IV.5. Infraorbital paresthesia and diplopia tended to be closely related to fracture displacement but limitations in mouth opening were not related to fracture displacement.