Abstract
Objective
The aim of this study was to describe the outcomes of the novel pre-auricular approach with transmasseteric dissection in patients submitted to surgical reduction and fixation of mandibular condyle fractures.
Method
The present study was conducted at a level 1 trauma center in Brazil, in which patients undergoing the pre-auricular approach with transmasseteric dissection for access and fixation of extracapsular mandibular condyle fractures, as well as complications rates. The patients were followed up for at least 180 days.
Results
Twenty patients diagnosed with extracapsular mandibular condyle fractures were included in the study. All patients were submitted to surgical reduction and internal fixation of the fractures through the pre-auricular approach with transmasseteric dissection. No Trans operative complications were observed. Temporary palsy of facial nerve branches was encountered in 25% of cases. Only one patient (5%) had permanent facial palsy, and one patient had (5%) salivary fistula. Following the procedure, majority of patients presented occlusal stability, and 95% showed restoration of mandibular movements.
Conclusion
The PATD surgical approach seems to be safe and reliable, with low complication rates. PATD can be an alternative surgical approach for management of neck condylar fractures. In the other hand, randomized clinical trials should be performed comparing different surgical approaches for the mandibular condyle fractures.