Transoral open reduction with rigid internal fixation for subcondylar fractures of the mandible using a small angulated screwdriver system: is endoscopic assistance necessary?

The "low preauricular" transmasseteric anteroparotid (TMAP) technique as a standard way to treat extracapsular condylar fractures

Condylar fracture treatment is a debated topic among maxillofacial surgeons. Various surgical techniques are used today, each one with advantages and disadvantages. The aim of this study is to present and evaluate our technique adopted for treatment of any type of extracapsular condylar fractures. Between 2020 and 2022, 16 condylar fractures were treated. In two patients with bilateral condylar fractures, the present technique was compared to the mini-retromandibular approach. All the patients were checked for clinical and radiological outcomes, facial nerve injury, scar visibility and presence of salivary complications. Dental occlusion was always restored, and facial nerve damage or salivary disorders were not observed. The skin incision, limited to the caudal two-thirds of the auricle, made the scar almost invisible and greatly improved the surgical field in the condylar neck area, facilitating the treatment. The proposed technique provides easier internal fixation for both neck and base condylar fractures with good cosmetic results, ensuring better protection of the facial nerve and parotid gland. The surgical technique described has not shown disadvantages in terms of operational difficulty, results, and complications. This novel surgical technique could represent a new choice in the treatment of extracapsular condylar fractures, although further studies are needed to support this new proposal.

Transbuccal vs. Intraoral Approach using an Angulated Screwdriver in Fixation of a Mandibular Angle Fracture

Objectives:

This study aimed to evaluate surgical stability and cosmetic outcomes in patients with mandibular angle fractures (MAFs) using an angled screwdriver (ASD) versus transbuccal trocar (TBT) for single locking plate fixation.

Methods:

A prospective cohort clinical study was done on 44 male patients (88%) and 6 (12% females patients with MAFs, categorized into 2 groups. Group A patients were treated with strictly intraoral vestibular incision using an angulated screwdriver; group B was treated with TBT. Both groups placed a single locking 2.0 mm mini-plates at the inferior border. The main outcome variables were the perioperative complication rate.

Results:

There were no statistical differences between both groups regarding postoperative wound dehiscence, screw or/and plate looseness, infection rate, and inferior dental nerve injury. The study (ASD) approach took 28.10±3.3minutes, while the TBT approach took 37.40±1.75minutes, indicating a highly significant difference in operating time (P=0.001). Post-operative edema had decreased significantly in the ASD group.

Conclusion:

According to the present results, a strictly intraoral approach for ASD enabled stable fixation of MAFs using a single mini-locking plate. This can significantly reduce operation time and postoperative edema and prevent extraoral scarring.

Mandibular Condylar Fractures

Mandibular condyle fractures can result in short-term and long-term morbidity. As a weak area of the mandible, the condyle is vulnerable to injury by a direct impact or an indirect force. Current treatment recommendations aim to better match the severity of the fracture with the choice of closed or open approach. Long-term follow-up of patients provides the best opportunity to monitor the degree of functional restoration after treatment. There is a growing consensus regarding the use of standardized fracture classification methods and outcomes measures that will allow better assessment of treatment results and strengthen the quality of outcomes research.

New protocol for simplified reduction and fixation of subcondylar fractures of the mandible: a technical note

The dilemma regarding the management of condylar fractures generally revolves around the surgical approach, implant design, and the surgeon’s experience. Zide and Kent’s guidelines streamlined the decision making process for condylar fractures. However, there exists no standardized protocol for reduction and fixation of condylar fractures. Here, we have described a detailed and stepwise protocol, common to any surgical approach, that would lead to predictable, reproducible, and repeatable results in every surgeon’s hands.

Outcomes of the Nonendoscopic Transoral Approach to Subcondylar Mandible Fractures

PURPOSE

The transoral approach (TRA) to subcondylar fractures without any endoscopic or transbuccal assistance is not a common technique. The purpose of this study was to measure and compare the quality of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) between the TRA and the retromandibular approach (RMB), including types and frequencies of postoperative complications.

METHODS

In our retrospective cohort study, we enrolled a sample of patients with displaced subcondylar mandible fractures treated by ORIF. The predictor was the approach mode: TRA or RMB. In postoperative computed tomography (CT) data sets, we measured the angles of the condylar process in relation to references: 1) midline, 2) lateral ramus border, and 3) posterior ramus border. The primary outcome variable was the reduction outcome, which was calculated as the difference between the total of all angles of the operated side and the non-affected side. Secondary outcomes were postoperative complications extracted from patients' files. Other variables were age, gender, number of plates, operation time and a modified AO trauma score. In bivariate analysis, we compared the outcome between both groups.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients were included in total, with TRA performed in 50%. Patients with TRA were younger (31 vs 41, P = .003), and the trauma score was lower (1.9 vs 3.3, P < .001). Reduction outcome remained comparable between both techniques (mean 3.7° for both, P = .92). Complication rates were similar, although facial nerve palsy was absent for TRA (0 vs 4, P = .039).

CONCLUSION

We suggest TRA for selected patients with displaced, single fragmented subcondylar fractures. Reduction outcome shows a comparable exactness to RMB, while TRA is safer for the facial nerve.

Endoscopic surgery versus open reduction treatment of mandibular condyle fractures: A meta-analysis

The aim of the study was to compare open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) and endoscopic open reduction with internal fixation (EORIF) of condylar fractures (CF) in adults in terms of reducing both needing of reoperation and/or facial nerve injury. An electronic search was undertaken (PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and The Cochrane Library). The inclusion criteria were full text, published from their inception to June 2020, clinical trials, randomized or not, and retrospective studies, that compared ORIF and EORIF. The estimates of an intervention were expressed as the risk ratio (RR). From the 1338 articles found, 5 publications were included. There was no statistically significant difference between ORIF and EORIF regarding needing of reoperation (RR = 2.46, p = 0.42) or facial nerve injury (RR = 0.45, p = 0.14). Meta-analysis suggests that there is no difference between open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) and endoscopic open reduction with internal fixation (EORIF) of condylar fractures (CF) regarding facial nerve injury risk or need for reoperation.

Two miniplates versus 3-dimensional plate in the management of mandibular subcondylar fractures: a retrospective analysis

PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the outcomes in patients with subcondylar fracture of mandible treated with 2 single miniplates compared to a 3-dimensional (3D) plate.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study which included patients diagnosed and treated for mandibular subcondylar fracture from January 2015 to December 2019. Included patients were divided into two groups, group 1: 2 miniplate group and group 2: 3D plate group. The data was obtained from the patients' records and evaluated for various outcomes including occlusal stability, postoperative complications like plate fracture, non-union, plate or screw loosening, and plate or screw infection leading to implant removal, wound dehiscence, salivary fistula, and facial nerve paralysis. The statistical analysis was performed using chi square test and Student's t test.

RESULTS

A total 58 patients (43 males and 15 females) were enrolled in the two groups ranging from 21 to 59 years. A total of 35 patients were recruited in group 1, whereas 23 patients were recruited in group 2. There was no statistically significant difference in the two groups with regard to the age range, gender, diagnosis, side of fracture, and accompanying fractures. Occlusal instability, wound dehiscence, and facial nerve paralysis was found in both the groups. Group 1 had 1 patient which required implant removal due to screw loosing, whereas group 2 had 2 patients which required plate removal due to plate fracture. One patient in group 2 required second surgery for fixation of fracture due to non-union. One patient in group 1 developed a sialocele postoperatively. However, there was no statistically significant difference in any of the variables assessed among the two groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of our study indicate that the 2 miniplates and 3D plate system are effective in the management of mandibular subcondylar fractures.

Algorithm for Management of Mandibular Condylar Base Fractures

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

Increasing evidence suggests that open reduction and internal fixation of condylar base fractures in adults results in improved outcomes in regard to interincisal opening, jaw movement, pain, and malocclusion. However, most of the condylar fractures are managed by maxillomandibular fixation alone due to the need for specialized training and equipment. Our aim was to present an algorithm for condylar base fractures to simplify surgical management.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed of patients (n = 22) with condylar base fractures treated from 2016 to 2020. Patients who presented with operative fractures that require open treatment underwent 1 of 2 different techniques depending on the fracture type: a preauricular approach with a transoral approach if the condyle was dislocated (n = 2) or a transoral only approach (n = 20) in nondislocated cases. Operative time, occlusion, range of motion, and postoperative complications were assessed.

Results:

Condylar base fractures were combined with other mandibular fractures in 16 of 22 patients. Patients with condylar dislocation were managed with a preauricular approach with a secondary transoral incision (n = 2, median 147 minutes). Those without dislocation were treated with a transoral approach (n = 20, median 159 minutes). Most patients were restored to their preoperative occlusion without long-term complications.

Conclusions:

We present a simplified algorithm for treating condylar base fractures. Our case series suggests that reduction in operative time and clinical success can be achieved with open reduction and internal fixation using a transoral approach alone or in combination with a preauricular approach for dislocated fractures.

Evaluation of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Mandibular Condyle Fracture by Intraoperative Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in a Hybrid Operating Room

Condylar fractures are the most common fractures of the mandible, and treatment of mandibular condylar fractures by maxillofacial surgeons is a very important procedure. However, the surgical approaches have anatomical limitations. Therefore, it is difficult to evaluate the reduction achieved in open reduction and internal fixation because of the uncertainty in securing a sufficient operative field. As a potential solution, the authors evaluated the benefits of intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) with high image quality performed in a hybrid operating room. Intraoperative CBCT is easy to perform in a hybrid operating room, and it is possible to quickly evaluate high-quality CT images, including 3D images. Because the state of reduction of mandibular condylar fractures also affects the prognosis of treatment, more precise reduction and fixation should improve prognoses. The use of CBCT in a hybrid operating room also avoids re-operation, and patients benefit from minimum invasive surgery. Intraoperative CBCT is a very useful strategy for evaluation of mandibular condylar fracture surgical treatment.

Surgical Strategy of Endoscopically assisted Periradicular Surgery Using Novel Head-mounted Display System

A novel head-mounted display offers high quality of endoscopic imagery in front of the eyes, irrespective of the head position. We present an application of the head-mounted display system as a personal integrated multi-image monitoring system in endoscopically assisted periradicular surgery. Our head-mounted display system displayed multiple forms of information as integrated, sharp, high-definition endoscope, biological monitor, and X-ray image (such as panoramic and computed tomography images) synchronously using a picture in picture. In addition, this system can cope with both the endoscopic field of view and the direct field of view. While monitoring the patient's general condition with a head-mounted display, the surgery was performed with endoscopic animation. We could also switch to the direct surgical field and endoscopic field of view smoothly without moving the head and without surgical interference. The availability of a head-mounted display system during endoscopically assisted periradicular surgery enabled the provision of a comfortable and appropriate surgical environment for the surgeon.

Clinical Assessment of Retromandibular Antero-Parotid Approach for Reduction of Mandibular Subcondylar Fractures: Report of 60 Cases and Review of the Literature

This study assessed the efficacy of the retromandibular antero-parotid approach for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of subcondylar fractures. Sixty patients with the mean age of 31.03 years underwent surgical reduction with a 20–25mm incision in the retromandibular area with an antero-parotid transmasseteric approach. All patients were followed between 6 to 12 months. At the end of the first week, six patients exhibited postoperative malocclusion. At the next visits, all patients had optimal occlusion. Maximal interincisal opening (MIO) of 56 patients (93.3%) was >37mm, and only four patients (6.7%) had MIO<37mm. In three patients (5%), weakness of the buccal branch of the facial nerve was noticed postoperatively. No salivary gland complications were seen. The surgical scar was hardly noticeable. Retromandibular access with transmasseteric antero-parotid approach is the technique of choice for treatment of high- and low-level subcondylar fractures with adequate visibility and direct access to the condylar area.

Biomechanical Loading Comparison between Titanium and Unsintered Hydroxyapatite/Poly-L-Lactide Plate System for Fixation of Mandibular Subcondylar Fractures

Osteosynthesis absorbable materials made of uncalcined and unsintered hydroxyapatite (u-HA) particles, poly-l-lactide (PLLA), and u-HA/PLLA are bioresorbable, and these plate systems have feasible bioactive osteoconductive capacities. However, their strength and stability for fixation in mandibular subcondylar fractures remain unclear. This in vitro study aimed to assess the biomechanical strength of u-HA/PLLA bioresorbable plate systems after internal fixation of mandibular subcondylar fractures. Tensile and shear strength were measured for each u-HA/PLLA and titanium plate system. To evaluate biomechanical behavior, 20 hemimandible replicas were divided into 10 groups, each comprising a titanium plate and a bioresorbable plate. A linear load was applied anteroposteriorly and lateromedially to each group to simulate the muscular forces in mandibular condylar fractures. All samples were analyzed for each displacement load and the displacement obtained by the maximum load. Tensile and shear strength of the u-HA/PLLA plate were each approximately 45% of those of the titanium plates. Mechanical resistance was worst in the u-HA/PLLA plate initially loaded anteroposteriorly. Titanium plates showed the best mechanical resistance during lateromedial loading. Notably, both plates showed similar resistance when a lateromedially load was applied. In the biomechanical evaluation of mandibular condylar fracture treatment, the u-HA/PLLA plates had sufficiently high resistance in the two-plate fixation method.

A comparative study of intraoral versus retromandibular approach in the management of subcondylar fracture

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes and effectiveness between intraoral approach and retromandibular approach for treatment of subcondylar fracture of mandible.

Methods

Between March 2011 and October 2013, 24 patients with subcondylar fractures of the mandible were treated by a single surgeon with an intraoral approach using an angulated screwdriver (n = 14) or by another surgeon using a retromandibular approach (n = 10). The interincisal distance was measured 1 week (T0), 6 weeks (T1), 3 months (T2), and 6 months (T3) postoperatively. We also compare the average operation time and the cost of operation between the two groups.

Results

At 6 months postoperatively, all 24 patients achieved satisfactory ranges of temporomandibular joint movement, with an interincisal distance > 40 mm without deviation and with stable centric occlusion. The intraoral group had the median interincisal distance of 14 mm at T0, 38 mm at T1, 42.5 mm at T2, and 43 mm at T3, while the retromandibular group had that of 15, 29, 35, and 42.5 mm respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the intraoral and the retromandibular group at T0 and T4. However, significant differences were noted T1 and T2 (p < 0.01). The differences of average operation time between the intraoral (81 min) and retromandibular group (45 min) were statistically significant (p < 0.01). The cost of an operation was 369.96 ± 8.14 (United States dollar [USD]) in intraoral group and was 345.48 ± 0.0 (USD) in retromandibular group. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

In open reduction of a subcondylar fracture of the mandible, a intraoral approach using an angulated screwdriver is superior to the retromandibular approach in terms of interincisal distance, although the operation time is longer.

Endoscope-Assisted Resection of Intramuscular Cavernous Hemangioma Within the Temporal Muscle

Hemangiomas are benign vascular soft tissue tumors, which most frequently occur in the skin or subcutaneous tissue. Intramuscular hemangiomas typically occur in the trunk and extremities and less frequently in the head and neck. Among these, those occurring in the temporalis muscle are extremely rare. The authors report the case of a 43-year-old Japanese male with a mass in his left temporal fossa. Computed tomography images showed no erosion of the zygomatic bone, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an ovoid well-marginated mass within the temporal muscle. The lesion was surgically excised with an endoscopy procedure used for minimally invasive lesions and complete removal. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of intramuscular cavernous hemangioma. The postoperative clinical course was good, with no indications of temporary nerve paralysis. No signs of local recurrence were observed postoperatively. Therefore, a cavernous hemangioma should be suspected when a mass occurs in the temporal region with accompanying radiologic findings suggesting vascular origin. In surgical treatment, the endoscopy-assisted technique is very useful to achieve complete tumor resection and prevent relapse while avoiding serious complications due to surgical procedures.

Which fixation methods are better between three-dimensional anatomical plate and two miniplates for the mandibular subcondylar fracture open treatment?

PURPOSE

To compare the clinical outcomes of a single three-dimensional (3-D) anatomical plate versus two conventional straight miniplates for the open treatment of mandibular subcondylar fractures.

METHODS

This retrospective clinical study included patients with mandibular subcondylar fractures treated by the retromandibular transparotid approach using a 3-D plate or two straight miniplates. Outcome variables included preoperative conditions of patients and fractures, extent of postoperative bone healing, and incidence of complications. Other variables included age, sex, fracture site, and follow-up duration. Variables were evaluated using descriptive statistics and compared between groups.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight fractures were analyzed: 13 fractures using 3-D plate and 15 fractures using two straight miniplates. None of the assessed variables showed significant differences between the two groups (p < 0.05). Unfortunately, in the 3-D plate group, reoperation was necessary for nonunion owing to plate breakage in one case with a bone defect around the fracture.

CONCLUSION

The 3-D plate and two straight miniplates were equally effective for the surgical management of mandibular subcondylar fractures. Although a 3-D plate is sufficient for a typical simple fracture, in cases with a bone defect around the fracture, selection of the plate fixation method should be carefully considered.

Does a Retromandibular Transparotid Approach for the Open Treatment of Condylar Fractures Result in Facial Nerve Injury?

PURPOSE

The retromandibular transparotid approach (RMA) to condylar fractures of the mandible provides excellent access, but can increase the risk of complications. The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of facial nerve paralysis (FNP) and associated postoperative complications after open reduction and rigid internal fixation (ORIF) of subcondylar fractures through the RMA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with condylar fractures requiring ORIF through the RMA. The inclusion criteria were 1) a medical record of surgical treatment of a subcondylar fracture by RMA; 2) preoperative and postoperative radiographs; 3) mental status permitting an adequate neuromotor examination; 4) absence of a post-injury or pretreatment functional facial nerve deficit; and 5) regular postoperative follow-up longer than 6 months with documentation of complications, functional results, and fixation stability. The predictive variables were age, gender, fracture site, fracture pattern, concomitant fractures, etiology, and plate types. The outcome variable was FNP. Univariate, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression statistics were computed.

RESULTS

Fifty patients with 55 displaced mandibular subcondylar fractures (35 men, 15 women; mean age, 44.5 yr; range, 17 to 87 yr) met the inclusion criteria. The condylar fracture involved the neck in 35 patients (63.6%) and the base in 20 patients (36.4%). The fracture pattern was deviation in 11 patients (20.0%), displacement in 23 (41.8%), and dislocation in 21 (38.2%). Precise ORIF with double-buttress fixation resulted in immediate functional recovery in all patients. Seven fractures (12.7%) were associated with FNP that resolved completely within 6 months. Further statistical analysis showed that dislocated and displaced condylar neck fractures were significant risk factors for postoperative FNP (P < .05). Other postoperative complications were minimal.

CONCLUSION

The RMA for subcondylar fractures is feasible and safe. Dislocated condylar neck fractures are associated with a highly increased risk of temporary postoperative FNP as a surgical complication.

[Replantation of mandibular head using NiTi-based fixing elements]

The article presents clinical observations of 49 patients with high condylar fractures, tumors and tumor-like lesions of the mandible where as the primary treatment method or as an adjunct to endoprosthetics after mandibular resection replantation of the mandibular head was performed using NiTi shape memory appliances to fix the fragments and isolate the replant from the glenoid fossa. Treatment results proved high efficiency of the technology.

Clinical Features and Treatment Modes of Mandibular Fracture at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shimane University Hospital, Japan

Background

The number of elderly patients with maxillofacial trauma is rapidly increasing due to active lifestyles and longevity. Shimane prefecture has the fastest growing proportion of elderly individuals in Japan. The aim of this study was to reveal the distinctive features and treatment modes of mandibular fracture treatment mode in patients requiring hospitalization at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shimane University Hospital, Japan.

Patients and Methods

Patient age, sex, period between injury and first consultation, years since injury, cause of injury, fracture site, treatment, and duration of hospitalization were evaluated. Univariate Poisson regression, relative risk with 95% confidence interval based on the Wald test, Fisher’s exact test, and Kruskal-Wallis test were used to explore associations among clinical and demographic variables.

Results

In total, 305 patients were diagnosed with and hospitalized for mandibular fracture from 1980 to 2010. Younger age increased the risk for mandibular fracture. Incidence was higher in males than females, particularly in the young, but the male to female ratio decreased with age. The period until first hospital consultation decreased progressively over the study period. Fall was a much more frequent cause in patients aged ≥60 than in those aged <60 years. Mandibular fracture with condyle, symphysis, and angle involvement were most common and were associated with sex, age, and treatment mode. Length of hospitalization has decreased since 1980.

Conclusion

In our department, patients aged ≥60 years accounted for a greater proportion of mandibular fracture cases than in many previous studies, reflecting the greater proportion of elderly residents in Shimane prefecture.

The retromandibular transparotid approach for reduction and rigid internal fixation using two locking miniplates in mandibular condylar neck fractures

We evaluated the safety, efficacy, and morbidity associated with the treatment of displaced mandibular condylar neck fractures using a retromandibular transparotid approach to reduce and rigidly fix using two 2.0-mm locking miniplates. Our surgical inclusion criteria were: patient selection of open reduction and fixation, displaced unilateral condylar fractures with derangement of occlusion, and bilateral condylar fractures with an anterior open bite. The study group consisted of 19 patients who underwent surgery for 19 mandibular condylar neck fractures; patients were analyzed prospectively, with more than 6 months of follow-up, and were evaluated in terms of functional results, scar formation, postoperative complications, and stability of fixation. The results showed that functional occlusion identical to the preoperative condition and correct anatomical reduction of the condylar segments in centric occlusion, followed by immediate functional recovery, was achieved in all patients. No patient suffered from any major or permanent complication postoperatively, although there were two cases (11%) of temporary facial nerve palsy, which resolved completely within 3 months. Surgical scars were barely visible. The retromandibular transparotid approach with open reduction and rigid internal fixation for displaced condylar neck fractures of the mandible is a feasible and safe, minimally invasive surgical technique that provides reliable clinical results.