title: Endoscopic treatment of mandibular condylar fractures in live minipigs: benefits of the operative learning curve.
abstract: Endoscopic treatment of mandibular condyle fractures is a minimally invasive technique that avoids the complications of open reduction and internal fixation. We have used live minipigs as an animal model for learning and training the technique. Fourteen condylar fractures were created, reduced, and internally plated in 7 minipigs using an endoscopic approach by a surgeon with no previous experience of the technique. The mandibles were reduced and fixed successfully in each animal. Operating time was reduced as the surgeon became more familiar with the technique. Minipigs are useful as a model for the endoscopic approach to the treatment of mandibular condylar fractures. Surgeons have the opportunity to train and gain surgical endoscopic experience before treating patients.
authors.affiliation: Service de chirurgie maxillo-faciale et plastique, CHU Nord, chemin des bourrelys, 13915 Marseille Cedex 20, France. Electronic address: jmfoletti@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Jean-Marc
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Foletti
authors.forename: Stéphane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bruneau
authors.forename: Jean-Paul
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Meningaud
authors.forename: Stéphane V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Berdah
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Guyot
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001860:Bone Plates; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D059032:Learning Curve; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D061646:Operative Time; D013552:Swine; D013556:Swine, Miniature; D016896:Treatment Outcome