Experiences with a modified preauricular mini incision with subdermally dissection in condylar and subcondylar fractures of the mandible

Publication date: Available online 8 February 2018
Source:Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery
Author(s): Said Algan, Murat Kara, Mehmet Akif Cakmak, Onder Tan, Hakan Cinal, Ensar Zafer Barin, Akin Inaloz
ObjectiveCondylar and subcondylar fractures (CSFs) are among the most common mandible fractures. If reduction of these fractures is not carried out correctly, serious complications can result, including infection, damage to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function, malocclusion, nonunion, malunion, and ankylosis of the TMJ.MethodsWe used a preauricular, mini-incision, open technique (PMIOT) for CSF of the mandible. 66 patients (48 males, 18 females), with a total of 72 CSFs of the mandible, were repaired with PMIOT between 2011 and 2016. Average age was 37.8 years (range: 8–78). CSFs were located on the right side, left side, and bilaterally in 21, 27 and six patients, respectively. We used only one mini incision of length 2 cm for non-displaced subcondylar fractures. However, we had to perform a second mini incision for condylar fractures displaced by more than 45°, where subcondylar fractures overlapped, or where there was deep surgical exposure and difficulty with reduction.ResultsNo early complications, such as bleeding, hematoma, seroma, infection, or parotid fistula, were seen in any patients. Temporary facial nerve paresis was reported in three patients, but these recovered spontaneously with conservative treatment within 15 days. Permanent facial nerve paralysis occurred in none of the patients.ConclusionWe believe that PMIOT is an effective, reliable, and feasible method for repair of CSF. It does not need any expensive and sophisticated tools, and has low complication rates. The mini incision used in our technique results in both a hidden scar and protection of essential structures in the region.



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