title: Modified submandibular access for open reduction and internal rigid fixation in condylar fractures.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of the present study was to describe a surgical technique for treatment of condylar fractures through the modified submandibular access, by means of a small incision in the mandibular angle that promotes a dissection between the parotideomasseteric and the transmasseteric fascia in a quick way and with low morbidity. Fixation may be made with plates and screws according to the technique prescribed by the surgeon.
  
  
  METHODS
  Owing to the high incidence and importance of condylar fractures, various therapeutic methods have been described and may be divided into conservative and surgical methods. Various open surgical techniques are recommended in the treatment of mandibular condylar fractures, and the methods of internal rigid fixation and surgical accesses vary. The techniques that offer an adequate treatment of these fractures with shorter surgical time very often remain matters of controversy among surgeons. The procedure must guarantee maximum safety for the facial nerve and must provide a good cosmetic outcome, besides providing a suitable surgical field.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A modified submandibular access is a safe and reproducible procedure providing excellent functional results. This procedure has been routinely performed in our department.
authors.affiliation: From the *Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul - PUC/RS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; and †Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná - UNIOESTE, Paraná, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ricardo Augusto
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Conci
authors.forename: Flávio Henrique Silveira
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Tomazi
authors.forename: Rosana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kalaoun
authors.forename: Guilherme Genehr
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Fritscher
authors.forename: Greison Rabelo
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: de Oliveira
authors.forename: Claiton
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Heitz
mesh_terms: D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D004210:Dissection; D020220:Facial Nerve Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome