Zygomatic maxillary (tripod) fractures result from direct blows to the zygoma, involving zygomatic arch, lateral orbital wall, and inferior orbital floor. This study evaluated functional and esthetic outcomes following lateral orbital approach in 30 patients at VMS Dental College, Salem, and a private hospital (2003–2011). All patients regained full mouth opening, normal eyeball movements, and satisfactory esthetics. No sinusitis or visual problems were reported. The lateral orbital approach is effective for reduction and treatment of zygomatic fractures. © 2014 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.