A 28-year-old man sustains blunt facial trauma. CT scan shows a 'tripod fracture' (zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture). Which three suture lines define this fracture?
- A Zygomaticofrontal, zygomaticomaxillary, and zygomaticotemporal sutures ✓
- B Zygomaticofrontal, infraorbital rim, and zygomatic arch only
- C Nasofrontal, nasoethmoidal, and zygomaticomaxillary sutures
- D Zygomaticofrontal, zygomaticotemporal, and orbital floor only
Correct answer: A. Zygomaticofrontal, zygomaticomaxillary, and zygomaticotemporal sutures
Explanation
The zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fracture, also called the tripod fracture, involves disruption at three articulations: (1) zygomaticofrontal suture (lateral orbital rim), (2) zygomaticomaxillary suture (inferior orbital rim/anterior maxillary sinus wall), and (3) zygomaticotemporal suture (zygomatic arch). The orbital floor (infraorbital canal) is often also fractured, but the three defining sutural lines determine the 'tripod' pattern.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.