EDITORIAL  THE TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT 

Italian Journal of Maxillofacial Surgery 2010 December;21(3 Suppl. 1):51-6

Copyright © 2011 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

lingua: Inglese

Intraoral endoscopic-assisted treatment of mandibular condyle fractures

Hirjak D., Macho˘n V., Ben˘o M., Zajko J.

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University of Bratislava, University Hospital, Bratislava, Slovakia

Condylar region is one of the most frequent sites for mandibular fractures. Controversy existes regarding the treatment of the fractures. Treatment depends on the level and displacement of the fracture, the state of dentition and the dental occlusion. Other factors on which depends on the indication for open reduction are the age of the patients, the presence of other mandibular and maxillar fractures, and the surgeon’s experience. Open reduction and rigid internal fixation of dislocated condylar fractures has become popular in the last decades. Open access provides the possibility to restore pretraumatic anatomic relationship, gives stability of fragments including restoration of early function. The majority of surgeons prefer the extraoral approach. Extraoral access is connected with the presence of visible scar and feasible risk of facial nerve injury. The purpose of this study was to present experiences with intraoral endoscopically assisted approach focused on low rate of complication and functional results and long-term follow-up.