The cheekbone, also known as the zygomatic bone, is a prominent facial bone, defining the contour of the cheeks and forming part of the eye socket and zygomatic arch. It connects with several other facial bones, including those of the nose, jaw, and forehead. Its exposed position makes it susceptible to injury, and fractures are a common facial trauma.
The Nature of Cheekbone Fractures
The zygomatic bone’s exposed location makes it vulnerable to external forces. Cheekbone (zygomatic) fractures result from high-impact trauma. Common causes include physical altercations, motor vehicle accidents, falls, and sports-related injuries.
Fractures vary in severity, from simple cracks to complex breaks. Low-energy impacts might cause non-displaced fractures, where the bone is cracked but alignment is undisturbed. Higher-energy forces can lead to displaced fractures, where bone fragments are moved from their normal position. Comminuted fractures involve multiple fragments and significant displacement.
Natural Healing Capabilities
Bones have an inherent capacity for repair, a biological process with several stages. Initially, a hematoma (blood clot) forms at the fracture site, initiating an inflammatory response. Specialized cells then create a soft callus, a temporary framework that bridges the fracture gap within two to six weeks. This soft callus mineralizes, transforming into a hard callus of immature bone that strengthens the fracture site.
While bones can mend, natural healing for a broken cheekbone presents unique challenges. The zygomatic bone’s role in facial aesthetics and function necessitates precise alignment. Even if a displaced fracture “heals,” it may not restore the original facial contour or structural support without intervention. Thus, while a cheekbone might mend, it often heals misaligned, leading to lasting functional and cosmetic issues.
Why Medical Intervention is Crucial
Medical intervention is necessary for zygomatic fractures to ensure optimal recovery. The primary goals of treatment include restoring facial contour and symmetry, preserving sensory nerve function, and maintaining globe (eyeball) position. It also aims to restore normal chewing function and prevent long-term complications.
Treatment approaches vary depending on the fracture’s severity and displacement. Non-displaced or minimally displaced fractures can be managed with observation, a soft diet, and pain relief. For displaced or unstable fractures, medical professionals perform either a closed reduction or open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF). Closed reduction involves manually repositioning the bone fragments without surgical incisions.
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), used for complex fractures, involves surgical access to the bone. During ORIF, plates and screws stabilize bone fragments in their correct anatomical position. This method ensures rigid fixation, important for maintaining alignment during healing, especially for fractures impacting the eye socket or with significant comminution. The technique chosen depends on the injury’s characteristics and aims to achieve stable, accurate reduction.
Potential Consequences of Untreated Fractures
Leaving a broken cheekbone untreated can lead to significant, lasting problems. Persistent pain is common, impacting daily comfort. Facial asymmetry can result when bone fragments heal displaced, causing a noticeable flattening or unevenness.
Functional impairments are also a concern. If the fracture involves the eye socket, vision problems like double vision (diplopia) or sinking of the eyeball (enophthalmos) may occur. Nerve damage through the cheekbone can cause chronic numbness or tingling in the cheek, upper lip, or side of the nose. Limited mouth opening (trismus) can also develop due to jaw movement interference, and chronic sinus issues may arise.