The zygomatic arch is part of the facial skull and extends horizontally on both sides below the eye socket to the ear. Its course can be easily felt from the outside. The zygomatic arch is formed by the upper jaw and the zygomatic and temporal bones. The zygomatic arch is also connected to the large masseter muscle, which originates there. In humans, for example, the masseter muscle is not very expansive compared to monkeys. In many primates, the masticatory muscles are much more developed. From an anatomical point of view, the zygomatic arch in humans is located immediately adjacent to the zygomatic bone. This in turn is connected to the temporal bone by an immovable suture. This bone area is characterized by relatively great strength.
What is the zygomatic arch?
The essential function of the zygomatic arch is to absorb and dissipate the chewing pressure of the molars. It is also involved in shaping the eye and nasal cavities. Several facial muscles originate in the zygomatic arch. The zygomatic arch is composed of the temporal bone process of the zygomatic bone and the zygomatic process of the temporal bone. They form its anterior and posterior parts. Above the auditory canal, the zygomatic arch is continued in a groin shape on the so-called temporal bone scale. Injuries to the zygomatic arch are most often caused by fractures, but these are very rare. More often, the zygomatic bone fractures because it is significantly larger. Both fractures are classified as lateral (lateral) midface fractures. They are accompanied by significant, persistent pain. Considerable external force is required to fracture the zygomatic bone and zygomatic arch. Experience shows that in such a case the zygomatic arch breaks in two places. The fracture is associated with severe swelling in the area above the zygomatic arch.
Anatomy and structure
Since the large masseter muscle is suspended from the zygomatic arch, it may also be damaged due to the force applied. Another possible consequence is that the masseter muscle becomes trapped in a hernial fissure. This process is called a lockjaw. The person thus damaged can only open and close his mouth with difficulty and severe pain. If an X-ray or CT scan shows that the zygomatic arch bone is displaced, the doctor usually cannot avoid surgical intervention. He will then rebalance the displacement and, if necessary, reattach parts of the bone with titanium screws and metal plates. In addition, the masseter muscle is released from its clamp. If there is no displacement of the zygomatic arch, the fracture can usually heal on its own without the need for surgery. Fractures of the zygomatic bone and zygomatic arch are relatively common because hard blows or falls are easily passed in this area. Both bones are relatively exposed and are directly affected by blows to the face, for example. If the head is instinctively turned to the side to avoid a blow, the risk of injury to the zygomatic arch increases even more. The force then hits the outer face. In this case, the fracture sites are located in the lateral area between the eye and the ear. The affected bone sinks in there. An isolated zygomatic bone fracture, on the other hand, causes changes in the front of the face. Here, the cheekbone is clearly visibly damaged.
Function and tasks
In severe cases of zygomatic bone or zygomatic arch fractures, destroyed bone parts must be replaced with suitable natural material from other areas of the body. Bone and cartilage parts from the thigh or arm area may be considered for this purpose. During surgery of the zygomatic arch, special tamponades or balloons are sometimes used to restore the facial shape of the affected person. They accompany the healing of the zygomatic arch and are left under the skin if needed. After surgery of the zygomatic bone or zygomatic arch, disturbances of the nervous system in these areas may become noticeable. Numbness and tingling may occur. At times, visual disturbances occur, for example, a person affected sees double images. However, such accompanying symptoms usually pass after six weeks. If this healing process is delayed, it can be accompanied by the use of an electrical nerve stimulation device.
Diseases
It is not uncommon for the zygomatic arch to suffer a contusion, for example, from a fall.Younger children can also sustain such injuries by bumping into the edge of a table or corners of furniture. The pain from these minor accidents is often considerable. Quick cooling of the injury is very important to achieve improvement. As long as the skin over the zygomatic arch is intact, pain-relieving ointments can also be used at any time. However, the ointment should always be applied carefully so as not to affect the eye, for example. If the affected eye swells up after a zygomatic injury, consultation with a specialist is absolutely recommended, because in this case there may be a fracture of the bone. Possible consequences such as a possible concussion or large skin tears must be thoroughly clarified here. The zygomatic bone or zygomatic arch can also swell if nerve inflammation is present. Trigeminal neuralgia, for example, can cause these consequences. In this case, sudden stabbing pains may occur that are not caused by an external injury. If the affected area is touched, the discomfort intensifies even further. Noticeable swelling in the area of the zygomatic bone and zygomatic arch may also occur in the case of severe flu or inflammation in the sinuses. These conditions also quickly lead to uncomfortable headaches and a feeling of pressure in the face.
