Comparison of Treatment Outcomes of Zygomatic Arch Fracture by USG-Guided Closed Reduction against Conventional Closed Reduction—A Quasi-Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: The closed reduction for zygomatic arch fracture relies on indirect techniques like auditory or tactile feedback intra-operatively and are confirmed post-operatively by radiographs. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of USG-guided arch fracture reduction against conventional reduction techniques. Methodology: The patients were randomly allocated for this quasi-randomized controlled trial and study was double-blinded. The fracture reduction was done under USG guidance in test group (USG group). The primary outcome assessed was evaluation of post-operative SMV x-ray. The change in discontinuity pattern between the pre-operative and post-operative x-ray was used to assess the adequacy of reduction. Inter-group analysis was done to compare the outcomes of the test and control group. Secondary outcomes assessed were maximal inter-incisal mouth opening (MIO) and depression along the zygomatic arch. Results: Study comprised of 29 patients, amongst which 10 patients underwent fracture reduction under USG guidance, while 19 patients underwent reduction by conventional method. Fisher’s exact test of post-operative SMV showed a significant difference (p 0.05) between USG group and control group, with the results favouring the USG-guided reduction. Conclusion: USG-guided reduction of zygomatic arch fracture can lead to better fracture reduction in comparison to conventional method of closed zygomatic arch reduction.