Towel Clip Reduction of the Depressed Zygomatic Arch Fracture

Abstract

It was a great pleasure to read the technique article “Towel Clip Reduction of the Depressed Zygomatic Arch Fracture” by Carter et al (J Oral Maxillofac Surg 63:1244, 2005). We would like to commend the authors for their creativity and unique method of managing patients with depressed fractures of the zygomatic arch. Nevertheless, one must be aware of the issues that may arise in the management of patients treated with this particular technique. Towel Clip Reduction of the Depressed Zygomatic Arch FractureJournal of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryVol. 63Issue 8PreviewSince the first description of a surgical reduction of a zygoma fracture by Duverney in 1751,1 many varying methods of treatment have been described. Both intraoral and extraoral methods have become commonplace. The transoral approach was popularized by Keen in 1909,2 with later modifications by Goldthwaite3 and Quinn.4 These techniques offer the advantages of avoiding any skin incision, thereby avoiding any visible scaring. Additionally, they allow for minimal dissection and an excellent vector for reduction; however, they may result in increased rates of infection by introducing oral flora into the infratemporal fossa. Full-Text PDF Author’s responseJournal of Oral and Maxillofacial SurgeryVol. 64Issue 8PreviewWe would like to thank the readers for their reply, and greatly appreciate their interest in the article. However, we would like to offer some clarification. First, the article is not a scientific article, but rather a simple “how-I-do-it” technical note. As stated in the article, this method is not original to us, and variations have been presented previously. The towel clip procedure is a valuable consideration for all straightforward, depressed isolated arch fractures, not only for minimally displaced fractures. Full-Text PDF