Zygomaticomaxillary (tripod) fracture

Background

• Must distinguish Zygomatic Arch Fracture from Zygomaticomaxillary (Tripod) Fracture
  • Tripod fx = fx of zygomatic arch, lat and inf orbital rims, lat wall of maxillary sinus

Diagnosis

1. Fx through:
   1. inferior orbital rim
   2. lateral orbital wall
   3. zygomatic arch
2. Must r/o associated ocular injuries
3. Usually requires admission and surgical repair

Differential Diagnosis

Maxillofacial Trauma

• Auricular hematoma
• Dental trauma
• Head trauma (main)
• Le Fort fractures
• Mandible fracture
• Nasal fracture
• Nasal septal hematoma
• Orbital trauma
  • Globe rupture
• Skull fracture
  • Basilar skull fracture
  • Skull fracture (peds)
• Zygomatic arch fracture
• Zygomaticomaxillary (tripod) fracture

Disposition

• Loss of vision or displacement: admit for IV abx and surg

See Also

• Maxillofacial Trauma
• Zygomatic Arch Fracture

Source

Tintinalli's