Coinciding Realignment of Complex Zygomatic and Parasymphysial Mandibular Fractures Following Motor Vehicle Collision: A Case Report

Abstract

Fractures of the mandible are the most common encountered injuries of the facial skeleton and are often the result of high-energy trauma. Zygomatic fractures, also frequent in maxillofacial trauma, can significantly compromise the symmetry of the face, ocular function, and masticatory mechanics. This report describes a case of a 25-year-old male who presented to the emergency department after being transferred from a primary care facility following a high-velocity motor vehicle collision. He sustained a classic “dashboard injury,” leading to a closed, unstable right parasymphysial mandibular fracture accompanied by a zygomatic fracture. In this patient, malocclusion, restricted oral opening, right-sided periorbital edema and ecchymosis, and conjunctival hyperemia have been observed. The management of both fractures proceeded with closed reduction techniques that resulted in stable alignment and the restoration of normal occlusion. The postoperative course was uneventful; functional and aesthetic recoveries have been reached without complication. This case points out the importance of an early assessment and timely closed reduction in the management of combined mandible and zygomatic injuries for the optimization of outcomes.