Use of computer-assisted navigation system in reconstruction of unilateral old zygomatic complex fracture

Abstract

Objective To investigate whether the surgery resorting to computer-assisted navigation system (CANS) can enhance effects in managing unilateral old zygomatic complex (ZMC) fracture in comparison with conventional surgery.Methods Twenty-four patients with unilateral old ZMC fracture for which surgical correction was wanted were divided into study group (n =12,treated with navigational surgery) and control group (n =12,treated with traditional surgery) in the 1 ∶ 1 matched case-control study.Therapeutic effects of CANS were evaluated by postoperative CT measurement,subjective satisfaction questionnaire and clinical examination.Results According to postoperative three-dimensional CT measurement,the mean projection and width differentials of bilateral zygomatic bones were 1.58 mm and 1.47 mm in study group,3.58 mm and 3.63 mm in control group,with significant differences between groups.No complications occurred within three months of follow-up.Moreover,the patients in study group were all satisfied with the treatment,but two patients in control group desired further surgery to ameliorate zygomatic shape.Conclusion Surgery with application of CANS improves efficacy of treatment for unilateral old ZMC fracture. Key words: Neuronavigation; Computer-aided design; Zygomatic fractures