The prospective, double-blind study design included 32 patients suspected of having sustained isolated zygomatic complex fractures. The patients underwent US examination and radiographic examination in the form of para-nasal sinus (PNS) and sub-mentovertex (SMV) views for comparison.
A sensitivity of 100% was seen in favor of US in the areas of the fronto-zygomatic suture (FZ), arch, infra-orbital, and buttress areas. Statistically significant differences (p < .01) was seen in areas of the arch and buttress region and in the infra-orbital area.
Although US showed 100% sensitivity in detection of fracture lines at three articulations of the four that make up the zygomatic complex, it lacked in quantifying the amount and degree of displacement of the fractured segments, which hampered accurate treatment planning.