Clinical Applications of Endoscopic-Assisted Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Subcondylar Fractures.

Han, Seung Youl; Kang, Seok Joo; Park, Jin Hyung

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons 2009;36(6):735-742.
Published online November 1, 2009.

Clinical Applications of Endoscopic-Assisted Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Subcondylar Fractures.

Seung Youl Han, Seok Joo Kang, Jin Hyung Park

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, Kosin University, Busan, Korea. atreyue@naver.com

Abstract

PURPOSE
The management of fractures of mandibular subcondyle continues to be controversial over open and closed treatment. The purpose of this article is to explain the endoscopic assisted open reduction and internal fixation and minimize the controversy. METHODS: For nine patients, mandibular subcondylar fracture were reduced and fixed by using intraoral endoscopic-assisted open reduction and internal fixation and were followed up for 14 - 24 months after the surgery.
RESULTS
Eight patients of mandibular subcondylar fracture had been treated without significant complications. One patient, whose malocclusion had been remained, was recovered normal occlusion by maxillomandibular fixation using intermaxillary screws for 3 weeks.
CONCLUSION
The advantages of endoscopic-assisted open reduction and internal fixation are direct visualization, accurate fracture repair, minimized scar, decreased morbidity. And maxillomandibular fixation is not needed when it is done by accurate reduction and rigid fixation with one miniplate in the region of subcondylar fracture. With the above consideration, endoscopic-assisted open reduction and internal fixation can be considered as one of the best treatments for subcondylar fracture of the mandible.

Keywords: Mandibular subcondylar fracture; Endoscopic assisted open reduction