Tripod fracture
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The tripod fracture, also called the zygomaticomaxillary complex or malar fracture, is composed of a set of three fractures. The first portion of the tripod fracture involves the maxillary sinus including the anterior and postero-lateral walls and the floor of the orbit. The second portion involves the zygomatic arch. The third portion involves the lateral orbital rim, usually including the lateral orbital wall, or the fronto-zygomatic suture.
Cause:
- direct blow to malar eminence
Clinical features:
- facial bruising/swelling
- flattened malar eminence
- loss of facial sensation below orbit (infraorbital nerve involvement)
- trismus / altered mastication
- diplopia +/- ophthalmoplegia
Fracture line:
- laterall wall of maxillary sinus
- orbital rim +/- infraorbital foramen
- orbital floor
- zygomatico-frontal suture / zygomatic arch[1][2]
[edit] References
- ^ Radiology, University of Rochester Medical Center [http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/smd/rad/neurocases/Neurocase191.htm
- ^ Facial and Mandibular Fractures, University of Washington [1]
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