Morphometry of Zygomatic Bone with Topographic Variations of Zygomaticofacial and Zygomaticotemporal Foramina: An Observational Study

Background: With hiking incidence of road traffic accidents and associated midfacial trauma, craniofacial neonatal malformations, and increasing demand for cosmesis, the frequency of facial surgeries is increasing day by day and the principal focus is on the facial dissection of the zygomatic bone. Like other bones, this bone is also liable to have anatomical variations. Thus, the current study was designed to delineate morphometric parameters for designing more apt zygomatic implants to maintain the integrity of zygomatic complex and restore a normal facial contour in cases of complex and comminuted fractures of zygomatic bone moreover, during the surgical approach, the knowledge of the topography of zygomaticofacial and zygomaticotemporal foramina can be utilized to preserve the sensory nerves and giving the regional anesthetic block as well. Materials and Methods: Eighty bones, including zygomatic bones of human dry skulls and individual zygomatic bones (both sides) of unknown age and sex, were included in the current observational analysis; these bones were obtained from the bone bank of post graduate department of anatomy. The morphometry of the zygomatic bone and the topography of zygomaticofacial and zygomaticotemporal foramina were studied, and measurements were noted and analyzed. Results: The dimensions, i.e., width and length of bone, were higher on the right side as compared to the left side with a statistically nonsignificant difference. Type I bone was most frequent on the left side and type II was most frequent on the right side. Topographically, zygomaticofacial foramina were located near the orbital margin as compared to the jugal point with insignificant P values. Similarly, the zygomaticotemporal foramina were largely located on the temporal surface of the bone with an average distance of 4.72 ± 2.79 mm on the right side and 4.36 ± 3.67 mm on the left side from the jugal point. Conclusions: The outcome of the current analysis concluded that all dimensions of zygomatic bone were slightly more on the right side as compared to the left side and type I bone was frequently present on the left side, whereas on the right side type-II bone was more frequent and foramen was frequently found near the orbital margin. Hence, it is evident that anatomical variations can be exhibited by the zygomatic bone, so it is advisable for surgeons to consider all the parameters of zygomatic bone while choosing the implants and improve the surgical success. Moreover, awareness of these variations should be taken into consideration while conducting various surgical procedures pertaining to the midfacial region.