On physical exam, the fracture appears as a loss of cheek projection with increased width of the face.

In most cases, there is loss of sensation in the cheek and upper lip due to infraorbital nerve injury.

Facial bruising, periorbital ecchymosis, soft tissue gas, swelling, trismus, altered mastication, diplopia, and ophthalmoplegia are other indirect features of the injury.

[citation needed] The formerly used 'tripod fracture' refers to these buttresses, but did not also incorporate the posterior relationship of the zygoma to the sphenoid bone at the zygomaticosphenoid suture.

Specific attention is given to the position of the malar eminence and reduction of orbital volume by realigning the zygoma and sphenoid.

Failure to correct can result in rotational deformity and increase the volume of the orbit, causing the eye to sink inwards.