[Change of zygomatic and temporal soft tissue after coronal incision].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the change of zygomatic and temporal soft tissue after coronal incision.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed in 33 patients who received firm fixation for unilateral zygomatic comminuted fracture through semi-coronal incision. All the patients were followed up for more than one year. Craniofacial anthropometric measurement through 3D-CT reconstruction and facial profile was performed. The difference between the operated side and healthy side was analyzed.

RESULTS

At the temporal concave point, the soft tissue thickness at healthy side was (1.60 +/- 0. 97) mm more than that at operated side, showing a significant difference between them (P < 0.01). While the soft tissue thickness was not statistically different between two sides at zygion, malar prominence, zygomaxillare, and temporal convex point (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The soft tissue atrophy may happen at temporal fat pad after semi-coronal incision, but not at zygomatic area. Intraoperative precise dissection and less stretch of soft tissue may be helpful to avoid the postoperative facial asymmetry.