Condylar fracture repair: use of the endoscope to advance traditional treatment philosophy

Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2006 Feb;14(1):1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.fsc.2005.10.004.

Abstract

Traditional treatment of subcondylar fractures with maxillomandibular fixation often results in a malreduction and significant functional and aesthetic sequelae, including facial asymmetry, decreased jaw opening, and potential for late derangements of the temporomandibular joint. When used selectively, based on preoperative CT scans, the endoscopic technique will reliably restore condylar anatomy in nearly 95% of patients, thus obviating the consequences of malunion. Furthermore, unlike traditional open techniques no significant facial scarring or permanent facial nerve palsies have resulted. Thus, the authors strongly advocate endoscopic repair of adult condylar neck and subcondylar fractures that demonstrate displacement or dislocation and have adequate proximal bone stock to accept miniplate fixation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Endoscopy*
  • Fracture Fixation / methods*
  • Humans
  • Mandibular Condyle / injuries*
  • Mandibular Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Mandibular Fractures / surgery*
  • Radiography
  • Treatment Outcome