Aim: To analyse the epidemiology, aetiology, and surgical management of zygomatic complex (ZMC) fractures in our major trauma centre, and to compare the number and location of fixation points and surgical access in our patient cohort with the literature. Methods: Retrospective analysis of all operative cases (Open Reduction and Internal Fixation) of zygomatic complex fractures over a one year period (2016). Results: A greater proportion of patients in our cohort (54%) were treated with one-point fixation compared to the literature, with the zygomaticomaxillary (ZM) buttress being the most popular fixation point (90%). ZM buttress and frontozygomatic (FZ) suture were the commonest choices for two-point fixations (70%). Buccal sulcus incision was used for ZM access in all cases. For FZ access, upper blepharoplasty incision was the most common (56%). For infra-orbital margin access, transconjunctival incision was the most common (75%). There was no significant association between number of fixation points and presence of associated injuries, impact of injury, or time to operation. There were no post-operative complications. Conclusion: A greater proportion of patients in our cohort were successfully treated with one point fixation compared to the literature, and fewer patients underwent orbital floor exploration and repair in our cohort compared to the literature. This study highlights the ongoing variation in the surgical management of ZMC fractures.
Patient safety should be at the heart of any healthcare service. Systems, teams, individuals and environments must work in tandem to strive for safety and quality. Research into patient safety in dentistry is still in the early stages. The vast majority of the research in this area has originated from the secondary care and academic fields. Approximately 95% of dental care is provided in the primary care sector. In this paper, we provide an overview of the evidence base for patient safety in dentistry and discuss the following aspects of patient safety: human factors; best practice; the second victim concept; potential for over-regulation and creating a patient safety culture. Through discussion of these concepts, we hope to provide the reader with the necessary tools to develop a patient safety culture in their practice.
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