Single lag screw fixation for malar fracture (type B) fixation: reduction of hardware treatment costs.

Abstract

In an attempt to define the most simple and inexpensive method of achieving postreduction stability in zygomatic fractures, the authors compared two different methods of internal rigid fixation of the frontozygomatic suture line in one group with miniplates and in another group with Panfix lag screws. The randomized study protocol consisted of a control group of 20 patients and 40 patients with laterally displaced body fractures of the zygoma. Statistical differences were not seen between the control subjects and the patients who required open reduction and internal fixation either with one osteosynthesis plate at the frontozygomatic suture line or a lag screw osteosynthesis. Lag screw fixation in malar type B fractures could lower hardware treatment costs and is an alternative method that provides sufficient stability in indicated patients.