title: Open reduction of subcondylar fractures via an anterior parotid approach.
abstract: Visualization of subcondylar fractures is limited, and rigid fixation technically difficult, employing standard open surgical techniques--especially when the condyle is displaced out of the glenoid fossa. The majority of condylar neck fractures are treated by closed reduction with maxillomandibular fixation, to obviate the potential for permanent injury to the facial nerve. The technique described employs an anterior parotid, two-layer, sub-SMAS (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system) approach via a rhytidectomy incision that reliably identifies and preserves the neural elements and provides direct access to the pericondylar region. The thirteen patients presented here exhibited satisfactory functional and aesthetic results. Complications included temporary nerve palsies, plate fractures, and a hematoma.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.
authors.forename: E D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Rodriguez
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Adamo
authors.forename: G E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Anastassov
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D004210:Dissection; D004868:Equipment Failure; D020220:Facial Nerve Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000209:etiology; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006406:Hematoma / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000293:injuries*; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D008406:Masseter Muscle / Q000601:surgery; D010306:Parotid Gland; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology