Kapil Tomar1. 1. Naval Institute of Dental Sciences, RC Church, Colaba, Mumbai, 400005 India.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Fractures of the mandible subcondyle have always presented a challenge to the maxillofacial surgeon, with a myriad of treatment options existing ranging from conservative management to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to condylotomy. The complex anatomy of the region poses a challenge, with injury to the facial nerve branches being the primary concern. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the efficacy of a modified retromandibular approach, with retroparotid trans-masseteric dissection for ORIF of subcondylar fractures. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-five patients with subcondylar fractures at varying levels were treated surgically by ORIF using this approach. RESULTS: All patients managed by this modified retromandibular approach had satisfactory results with restoration of vertical ramal height, satisfactory mouth opening, stable occlusion and no facial nerve damage post-op. CONCLUSION: In our study, the modified retromandibular approach, with retroparotid trans-masseteric approach was effective in surgical management of subcondylar fractures by ORIF with minimal complications.
BACKGROUND: Fractures of the mandible subcondyle have always presented a challenge to the maxillofacial surgeon, with a myriad of treatment options existing ranging from conservative management to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to condylotomy. The complex anatomy of the region poses a challenge, with injury to the facial nerve branches being the primary concern. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the efficacy of a modified retromandibular approach, with retroparotid trans-masseteric dissection for ORIF of subcondylar fractures. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-five patients with subcondylar fractures at varying levels were treated surgically by ORIF using this approach. RESULTS: All patients managed by this modified retromandibular approach had satisfactory results with restoration of vertical ramal height, satisfactory mouth opening, stable occlusion and no facial nerve damage post-op. CONCLUSION: In our study, the modified retromandibular approach, with retroparotid trans-masseteric approach was effective in surgical management of subcondylar fractures by ORIF with minimal complications.