title: Intraoral open reduction with rigid internal fixation of mandibular subcondylar fractures.
abstract: Open reduction of subcondylar fractures achieves precise anatomic alignment of bony fragments and may prevent the postoperative sequelae seen with some closed reductions. Using an extraoral approach, a fracture can be easily seen and manipulated. An intraoral approach avoids large facial scars, facial nerve injury, and allows visualization of the occlusion during the procedure. Cases for this technique should be carefully selected.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284-7908.
authors.forename: T S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Jeter
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Van Sickels
authors.forename: G J
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Nishioka
mesh_terms: D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery*