Salvage of the condylar fracture: complication management of mandibular angle ostectomy

J Craniofac Surg. 2014 Nov;25(6):e582-4. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000001028.

Abstract

A prominent mandibular angle is considered to be unattractive in Asians because it gives the face a square, coarse, and muscular appearance. Mandibular angle ostectomy has been known to be effective and to satisfy both surgeons and patients. However, a narrow surgical field hinders direct view of the site, making a procedure that is rather difficult to perform. Despite thorough presurgical planning and attention, there can be many complications and unfavorable results. A 21-year-old woman with right condyle process fracture was referred to Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong. The patient was previously treated with mandibular angle reduction surgery at a local clinic. Via an extraoral approach, the condyle process was replaced and fixed using 1 long metal screw and one 2 × 2 square metal plate. We overcame the condylar fracture caused by mandibular angle ostectomy with reasonable reduction of the right condyle.

MeSH terms

  • Bone Plates
  • Bone Screws
  • Cosmetic Techniques / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / instrumentation
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Complications*
  • Mandible / surgery*
  • Mandibular Condyle / injuries*
  • Mandibular Fractures / surgery*
  • Osteotomy / adverse effects*
  • Surgical Wound Infection / etiology
  • Young Adult