OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effectiveness of the rigid internal fixation for comminuted and redisplaced zygomatic arch fractures by modified preauricular-temporal approach with the resorbable bone fixation.

METHODSTotally twenty patients aged from 14 to 68 years and admitted to our hospital between September 2006 and June 2011 were reviewed, of whom seventeen had a unilateral comminuted zygomatic arch fracture and three re-displaced arch fracture after failed closed reduction. The fracture segments were aligned to restore the preinjury form of the arch by rigid fixation with resorbable plates and screws through a modified preauricular-temporal incision.

RESULTSThe fractures were well reduced, preauricular-temporal scar and lateral facial contour were aesthetically satisfying, and no case had limited mouth opening as well as facial palsy. The resorbable plates were not palpated one year after the operation.

CONCLUSIONThe rigid internal fixation through the preauricular-temporal approach with the resorbable bone is an effective method for the comminuted and redisplaced zygomatic arch fractures.