Extraoral approach to mandibular condylar fractures : our experience with 100 cases

Introduction Mandibular condylar fractures are very common. The current literature contains many indications and methods of treatment. Extraoral approaches are complicated by the need to avoid injury to the facial nerve. On the other hand intraoral approaches can make fracture reduction and/or fixation difficult. The mini-retromandibular approach provides an excellent view of the surgical field, minimises the risk of injury to the facial nerve, and allows rapid and easy management of condylar fractures. We have collected and reviewed our first 100 condylar fractures treated by means of a mini-retromandibular approach. Patients and methods Between June 2006 and June 2012, Eighty-seven patients with extracapsular condylar fractures underwent open reduction and rigid fixation for 100 extracapsular condylar fractures via a mini-retromandibular approach. Results Dental occlusion and anatomic reduction were restored in all 100 condylar fractures. Postoperative infection developed in three patients. There was one sialocele and one case of plate fracture. Four patients experienced transient palsy of the buccal branch of the facial nerve. No permanent deficit of any facial nerve branch was observed. No patient showed condylar head resorption. Conclusions Our experience with the treatment of the first 100 condylar fractures using the mini-retromandibular approach has demonstrated that this technique has allowed the Authors to safely manage extracapsular condylar fractures at all levels.