Treatment of mandibular condyle fractures using a modified transparotid approach via the parotid mini-incision: experience with 31 cases

Anatomical study to determine a new approach to treat benign masses located in the anterior condyle region: a case report

A 22-year-old male patient presented to the clinic with severe pain in the preauricular area with an inability to completely occlude the jaw. Facial computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-defined lesion that was tentatively diagnosed as a benign tumor or cystic mass. Surgical approach of a lesion in the condyle is delicate and problematic as many vulnerable anatomical structures are present. There are several methods for surgery in this area. Typically, an extraoral approach is dangerous because of potential injuries to nerves and arteries. The intraoral approach also presents difficulties due to the lack of visibility and accessibility. On occasion, coronoidectomy may be performed. The goal here was to determine an easier and safer new surgical approach to the condyle. We reached the anterior part of the pterygoid plate in the same method as in Le Fort I surgery. From this point, through the external pterygoid muscle, approaching the anterior aspect of the condyle is relatively easy and safe, with minimal damage to the surrounding tissues. Pus was drained at the site, and the lesion was diagnosed as an abscess. Pain and inability to close the mouth resolved without recurrence.

Pre-auricular Transparotid Approach for the Management of Mandibular Condylar Fracture: An Experience of 82 Cases

Purpose

This paper retrospectively analyses the functional outcomes and complications associated with pre-auricular transparotid approach for the management of mandibular condylar fractures.

Material and Methodology

The retrospective data of 82 condylar fractures were analysing in 73 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation with pre-auricular transparotid approach. Evaluation of post-operative complications and the post-operative occlusion status, maximal inter-incise opening, adequacy of reduction and stability of fixation were assessed clinically and radiographically.

Results

The exposure of fracture segment was adequate in all the cases, and fixation was easy with 2 mm delta miniplate. Transient facial nerve palsy occurred in 2 patients (2.43%). 1 patient developed sialocele which was managed conservatively. There were slight occlusal discrepancies in 10 patients at the end of 1-week follow-up which was corrected with guiding elastics at the end of 1-month follow-up. The reduction was adequate, and fixation was stable. The functional outcomes were satisfactory in term of mouth-opening and range of motion.

Conclusion

The pre-auricular transparotid approach provides direct access to the fracture site resulting in less retraction of the tissue containing facial nerve and also less amount of periosteal stripping is required, thus it maintains good vascularity to the fracture segments. It provides direct visualization of the fracture without much retraction of the tissue containing facial nerve branches. It allows better fixation of the fracture with very less complication which results in good functional outcomes.

Analysis between Retromandibular and Periangular Transmasseteric Approach for Fixation of Condylar Fracture - A Prospective Study

Introduction:

Condylar fractures make up for an average of 17.5%–52% of all mandibular fractures. The aim of the present study was to compare the ease, success, and complications between retromandibular and periangular transmasseteric approaches when used for open reduction and internal fixation of condylar fractures.

Materials and Methods:

A total 20 cases with condylar fracture, ten each for retromandibular and periangular transmasseteric approach, were included in the study. Patients were evaluated at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Postoperative occlusion, maximum mouth opening, range of movement, facial nerve function, visibility, convenience of plating, and time taken for exposure, fixation, and closure were recorded. Incidence of complications such as wound dehiscence, wound infection, hematoma, sialocele formation, Frey's syndrome, and hypertrophic scars were also evaluated.

Results:

The mean exposure time in the retromandibular approach was 10 min 31 s and 9 min 17 s in the periangular transmasseteric approach. The incidence of facial nerve injury was 2 of 10 patients in the retromandibular group and 3 of 10 patients in the periangular transmasseteric group, all of which resolved within 6 months. The incidence of sialocoele was 2 of 10 in the retromandibular group. The time taken for exposure of the fracture site was statistically significant between the two approaches (P = 0.048) with longer time required for retromandibular approach.

Discussion:

It can be summarized that both the approaches are comparable and well suited for surgical management of condylar fractures. It was observed that in displaced condylar neck fractures, greater difficulty was experienced in the periangular transmasseteric approach than the retromandibular approach.

Open Treatment of Mandibular Condyle by Direct Transparotid Approach: Our Experience

The fractures of the mandibular condyle are commonly encountered in maxillofacial surgical practice. The controversies to open or not to open are still ongoing. We have used both techniques, to successfully manage our patients. Open treatment of condyle fracture with or without dislocation is technically challenging. We used a "Direct Transparotid" approach in treating 13 condyle fractures over a period of 4 years. The patients were evaluated for facial nerve injury, salivary fistula, scar, function, and occlusion over a period of 12 months. There were no major complications with acceptable scar, both intraoperatively and postoperatively. The script aims at presenting our experience of direct transparotid approach surgical technique.

The Retromandibular Transparotid Approach for Reduction and Internal Fixation of Mandibular Condylar Fractures

Introduction:

The retromandibular transparotid approach is most useful for condylar and subcondylar fractures and provides the best access to the joint and ascending ramus. The study aims at evaluating the ease of access and outcomes encountered on using the retromandibular transparotid approach to access the fracture site for the open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of condylar and sub-condylar fractures.

Materials and Methods:

An observational clinical study was carried out among 10 patients with unilateral and bilateral condylar fracture requiring ORIF. Maximal interincisal mouth opening, facial swelling, occlusal discrepancy, facial nerve injury, scar formation, and acceptability and complications including wound dehiscence, infection, and sialocele/salivary fistula were assessed and measured preoperatively and postoperatively.

Results:

There was a notable improvement in mouth opening and facial nerve weakness. Postoperative intermaxillary fixation was done with selective patients who had a discrepancy in their occlusion. Preoperatively, swelling was present in four patients (40%) out of 10 patients studied. There was no incidence of sialocele/salivary fistula in any of the cases studied.

Conclusion:

Retromandibular transparotid incision is technique sensitive and thorough knowledge about the retromandibular area is must for good results and minimal morbidity. The cosmetic results are good in this approach, as well as the facial nerve injury were less in this without any permanent damages.

A modified approach from the edge of the tragus in the surgical treatment of mandibular condyle fractures

Introduction We present our experiences using a modified surgical approach from the edge of the tragus for mandibular condyle fractures, to reduce the risk of postoperative complications and visible scars. Materials and methods Thirty-two patients presenting with mandibular condyle fractures were treated through a modified approach on the edge of the tragus. The age of the patients ranged from 6 to 62 years. All mandibular condyle fractures were fixed. The patients were asked to start open-mouth training one week postoperatively, undergoing a cone-beam computed tomography examination and clinical follow-up. Postoperative complications were evaluated after surgery. Results Mouth opening was normal (average 39.5 mm) in all the patients during the operation and the occlusion improved significantly compared with preoperatively. No cases of damaged facial nerves were observed during the final follow-up at six months and postoperative scars were less noticeable. Conclusions The modified surgical approach from the edge of the tragus for mandibular condyle fractures provides a good view of the operative field, reduces the risk of facial nerve damage and produces a less noticeable postoperative scar.

[Research progress on surgical approaches for the treatment of mandibular condylar fractures]

With rapid advancements in internal fixation and new surgical instruments, surgical treatment has gradually emerged as the first treatment choice for mandibular condylar fractures. An appropriate surgical incision is the first and determinant step during surgery to avoid postoperative complications. Hence, surgical approaches in relation to oral and maxillofacial trauma surgery for the treatment of mandibular condylar fractures have been extensively investigated. This review summarizes the research progress on surgical approaches in the management of mandibular condylar fractures.