title: Use of a modified high submandibular approach to treat condylar base fractures: Experience with 44 consecutive cases treated in a single institution.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this article is to present our experience treating fractures of the condylar base with a modification of the high submandibular approach (HSA).
  
  
  METHODS
  Between June 2012 and April 2015, 44 fractures of the condylar base were treated in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Medical Hospital of Graz using the modified HSA.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We did not observe any damage (even transient) to the facial nerve or any complication related to violation of the parotid capsule (such as a salivary fistula, Frey syndrome, or a sialocele).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This approach provides good access to the condylar base, ensuring easier internal fixation, excellent protection of the facial nerve and parotid gland, and good cosmetic results.
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Head: Prof. Katja Schwenzer-Zimmerer), Medical University of Graz, Austria. Electronic address: pauromau@tiscali.it.
authors: Mauro
authors: M
authors: Pau
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Head: Prof. Katja Schwenzer-Zimmerer), Medical University of Graz, Austria.
authors: Kawe
authors: K
authors: Navisany
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Head: Prof. Katja Schwenzer-Zimmerer), Medical University of Graz, Austria.
authors: Knut Ernst
authors: KE
authors: Reinbacher
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Head: Prof. Katja Schwenzer-Zimmerer), Medical University of Graz, Austria.
authors: Tomislav
authors: T
authors: Zrnc
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Head: Prof. Katja Schwenzer-Zimmerer), Medical University of Graz, Austria.
authors: Jürgen
authors: J
authors: Wallner
authors: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Head: Prof. Katja Schwenzer-Zimmerer), Medical University of Graz, Austria.
authors: Katja
authors: K
authors: Schwenzer-Zimmerer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D063175:Mandibular Reconstruction / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Condylar fractures; High submandibular approach; Mandibular fractures