title: Neurovascular structures of the mandibular angle and condyle: a comprehensive anatomical review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Various surgical interventions including esthetic surgery, salivary gland excision, and open reduction of fracture have been performed in the area around the mandibular angle and condyle. This study aimed to comprehensively review the anatomy of the neurovascular structures on the angle and condyle with recent anatomic and clinical research.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We provide detailed information about the branching and distributing patterns of the neurovascular structures at the mandibular angle and condyle, with reported data of measurements and proportions from previous anatomical and clinical research. Our report should serve to help practitioners gain a better understanding of the area in order or reduce potential complications during local procedures. Reckless manipulation during mandibular angle reduction could mutilate arterial branches, not only from the facial artery, but also from the external carotid artery. The transverse facial artery and superficial temporal artery could be damaged during approach and incision in the condylar area. The marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve can be easily damaged during submandibular gland excision or facial rejuvenation treatment. The main trunk of the facial nerve and its upper and lower distinct divisions have been damaged during parotidectomy, rhytidectomy, and open reductions of condylar fractures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  By revisiting the information in the present study, surgeons will be able to more accurately prevent procedure-related complications, such as iatrogenic vascular accidents on the mandibular angle and condyle, complete and partial facial palsy, gustatory sweating (Frey syndrome), and traumatic neuroma after parotidectomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, South Korea.
authors.forename: Hun-Mu
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, Semyung University, Jecheon, South Korea.
authors.forename: Sung-Yoon
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Won
authors.affiliation: Division in Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Department of Oral Biology, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Hee-Jin
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Division in Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Department of Oral Biology, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, South Korea. hks318@yuhs.ac.
authors.forename: Kyung-Seok
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Hu
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000294:innervation*; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation
keywords: Facial artery; Facial nerve; Mandibular angle; Mandibular condyle; Marginal mandibular branch