Zdravniški Vestnik (Jul 2004)
SURGICAL TREATMENT OF MANDIBULAR CONDYLE FRACTURES USING THE TRANSPAROTID FACELIFT APPROACH – INTRODUCING A NEW METHOD OF TREATMENT
Abstract
Background. In the past, fractures of the mandibular condylar process were treated almost exclusively conservatively at our institution, by means of a three week period of intermaxillary fixation (IMF), followed by excercises and a soft diet. In the last three years, we started treating these fractures surgically with increasing frequency by open reduction and internal fixation with mini plates and screws. Our goal was to determine the safety and efficiency of surgical treatment as the results of conservative treatment were often unsatisfactory.Patients and methods. So far, 34 patients with 36 extraarticular condyle fractures were treated surgically by a periauricular transparotid approach. The operative procedure is demanding. Namely, branches of the facial nerve have to be identified, dissected and retracted, in order to reach the fracture site. The fracture was reduced and fixed with one or two mini plates. Patients were carefully followed up and were asked to answer a survey paper, which was completed by 32 patients.Results. All of the patients were able to open their mouth immediately postoperatively. The postoperative IMF lasted 1 week at maximum and the facial symetry was achieved in all cases. Pre-traumatic occlusion was achieved in 31 out of 33 dentate patients (94%). Eight out of 36 cases (22%) had transitory weakness of the facial nerve branches, most often the buccal and zygomatic branch. Of these, 5 resolved completely at 2–8 weeks, while a mild degree of weakness is still present in the lower eyelid and half of the upper lip in a female patient, 13 months postoperatively. The cosmetic effect is good as the periauricular facelift incision leaves a barely perceptible scar. According to the postoperative survey completed by 32 patients, 30 of them (94%) were very satisfied with the outcome of treatment.Conclusion. The procedure is safe with a careful surgical technique and the results of operative treatment are excellent.
