[The clinical application of arthroscope-assisted reconstruction of the mandibular condyle with costochondral graft].
OBJECTIVE
This is a preliminary study of the endoscopic technique on open surgery. The purpose of this study is to introduce the use of endoscopic technique for the reconstruction of the condyle with costochondral graft through a preauricular incision.


METHODS
33 patients of temporomandibular joint diseases (n=49) underwent reconstruction of mandibular condyle with costochondral graft. After preparation of the recipient site through a preauricular incision, maxillo-mandibular fixation, and preparation of the costochondral graft, the graft was fixed to the lateral side of the mandible ramus under the supervision of arthroscope.


RESULTS
All the patients had successful reconstruction of the condyle with costochondral graft without any severe bleeding or craniocerebral injury.


CONCLUSIONS
This case series demonstrates the feasibility of endoscopic technique for the reconstruction of the condyle through a preauricular incision. It has the advantage of high efficiency, minimal postoperative morbidity, great patient comfort, and little appearance impairment. The endoscopic technique has a promising future.
Wang
Yu-liang
YL
Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical College, China.
Yang
Chi
C
Qiu
Ya-ting
YT
Chen
Min-jie
MJ
Zhang
Shan-yong
SY
D000328:Adult; D020679:Arthroscopes; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible; D008335:Mandibular Condyle; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders