[Endoscopy-assisted internal fixation of ramus and subcondylar fracture].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate clinical application of endoscopy-assisted internal fixation of ramus and subcondylar fractures.


METHODS
In 11 patients with mandibular ramus and subcondylar fractures, endoscopy-assisted internal fixations with titanium plates were performed using micro-angular drill and screwdriver.


RESULTS
All of the patients showed no visible facial scars. Orthorpantography and three dimensional reconstructions of spiral CT scan demonstrated that all fractures were healed 1 to 15 months after operation. Slight malocclusion existed in 1 case and slight limited mouth openings were found in 2 cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Endoscopy-assisted internal fixation of mandibular ramus and subcondylar fracture avoided visible facial scars and the risk of facial nerve damage, it is, therefore, a minimally invasive and effective procedure.
Yang
Jian-xin
JX
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University, Suzhou Jiangsu 215004, China. yangjx13@163.com
Liu
Jin
J
Gong
Jian-ping
JP
D000328:Adult; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography