title: Retromandibular approach to the mandibular condyle: a clinical and cadaveric study.
abstract: This prospective study was carried out to assess the morbidity of the retromandibular approach in the management of condylar fractures. Twenty consecutive patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation of their condylar fractures using this technique. Branches of the facial nerve were encountered in six cases (30%). Temporary weakness of the facial nerve occurred in six patients (30%), but this resolved in all cases within 3 months and there were no cases of permanent nerve injury. Two patients had a temporary deficit of the great auricular nerve and one patient developed a sialocoele that resolved with aspiration. A cadaveric study using 30 facial halves (15 fresh cadavers) was also conducted. Branches of the facial nerve were encountered in 12 dissections (40%). The literature regarding facial nerve morbidity in relation to the management of condylar fractures is reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, St Georges Hospital, Blackshaw Road, London SW17 0QT, UK.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Manisali
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Amin
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Aghabeigi
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Newman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D019248:Jaw Fixation Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies