Frequency of diplopia in zygomatic maxillary complex fractures in patients presenting to Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad.

Abstract

Objective: To find out the incidence of diplopia in ZMC fracture patients reporting to the trauma center and maxillofacial outpatient department. Study Design: Cross Sectional study. Setting: Department of Trauma Center and Maxillofacial Outpatient, Ayub Teaching Hospital (ATH), Abbottabad. Period: December 2024 to May 2025. Methods: A total of 113 patients between the ages of 18–60 years with radiologically proven ZMC fractures were recruited using non-probability consecutive sampling. Data regarding age, gender, etiology of trauma, fracture pattern (unilateral/bilateral), and presence/direction of diplopia was obtained on a structured proforma. Diplopia was evaluated clinically by history and nine-gaze examination. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Chi-square test was employed to evaluate associations, with p < 0.05 being statistically significant. Results: Of the 113 patients, diplopia occurred in 32.74% (n = 37). Horizontal diplopia was the most frequent (54.87%), followed by vertical (32.74%) and oblique (12.39%). Both-sided ZMC fractures were strongly related to diplopia (52.17%) than single-sided fractures (27.78%) (p = 0.026). No significant association was found with age, gender, cause of trauma, or direction of diplopia gaze. Conclusion: Diplopia is a relatively frequent ZMC fracture complication, especially in the case of bilateral trauma. Early detection can support ophthalmic referral and improved functional results.