Follow-up of condylar fractures of the mandible in 8 patients at 18 months after transoral endoscopic-assisted open treatment

Purpose: The results of endoscopic-assisted transoral approach for open reduction and miniplate fixation of condylar mandible fractures were evaluated 18 months after surgery. Patients and Methods: The transoral endoscopic-assisted treatment of condylar fractures was performed in 8 consecutive patients from April 1998 to December 1999 at the University Hospital Freiburg. Four of 8 condylar fractures were dislocated, and 6 of the 8 patients had additional mandibular fractures. Results: Anatomic reduction was achieved in all patients without facial nerve damage. There were no signs of bony resorption and good temporomandibular joint function 18 months after surgery. In 4 patients, the transoral management of condylar fractures was facilitated by angulated drills and screw drivers. Transbuccal stab incisions were not needed in these 4 patients. In all 8 patients, visible scars were avoided. Conclusions: The endoscopic-assisted transoral approach proved to be a reliable surgical method for condylar fractures when dislocation with lateral override was present. © 2003 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons J Oral Maxillofac Surg 61:49-54, 2003