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Zygomatic Complex Fracture — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateAnatomy (Head & Neck)Zygomatic Complex FractureMFDS Part 1

A complete zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture is more accurately described as a tetrapod rather than a tripod fracture. Which four articulations are disrupted in the tetrapod pattern?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Zygomaticofrontal, zygomaticomaxillary, zygomaticotemporal and zygomaticosphenoidal

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · C = shown as B · A = shown as C · B = shown as E

A is correct. The zygoma articulates with the frontal, maxillary, temporal and sphenoid bones at the zygomaticofrontal, zygomaticomaxillary, zygomaticotemporal and zygomaticosphenoidal junctions. Their disruption produces the tetrapod pattern. The zygomaticomaxillary suture crosses the inferior orbital rim, while the zygomaticotemporal articulation forms part of the zygomatic arch; these landmarks should not be mistaken for additional articulations. The older term “tripod fracture” under-represents the deep zygomaticosphenoidal component. Options B–E each replace one true zygomatic articulation with an unrelated midfacial junction, such as the nasofrontal, pterygomaxillary, frontomaxillary or sphenoethmoidal junction.

Reference: Al-Qattan MM, Gelidan A. Fixation at the Inferior Orbital Rim in Medially Rotated Zygomatic Complex Fractures. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open. 2021;9(8):e3739. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34476150/