Evaluation of intra ocular pressure in zygomatico maxillary complex fractures.

PURPOSE: To study effects of zygomatico maxillary fractures and fracture reduction on intra ocular pressure (IOP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: IOPs of 20 patients with unilateral zygomatico-maxillary complex (ZMC) fractures (divided into 2 groups of 10 undisplaced, 10 displaced) were measured at various time intervals. The relationship between IOPs between the two groups at various time intervals was recorded and evaluated using independent T-tests.

RESULTS: 20 subjects were divided into two equal groups (10 each of displaced and undisplaced fractures). Mean age of patients was 33.8 years with 90 % males and 10 % females. The change in IOP at the time of reporting, after 24 h and 7 days for patients with undisplaced ZMC fractures (Group I) was recorded and was found to be significant. The change in IOP at the time of reporting, before and after surgery, after 24 h and 7 days for patients with displaced ZMC fractures (Group II) was recorded and was also found to be significant. The IOPs of the two groups was compared at various time intervals and was found to be significant. Also, a significant increase in IOP was noted just after fracture reduction, which could be attributed to oculocardiac reflex, which has been proven to cause bradycardia, and in some cases, even death.

CONCLUSION: A cautious eye needs to be kept over IOP while reducing ZMC fractures at regular intervals and the anaesthetist has to be informed to look for any bradycardia that can occur. Tonometers should be a part of standard armamentarium while reducing and fixing ZMC fractures.