Open Reduction of Mandibular Condyle Fracture Via Preauricular Approach

Purpose: Anatomical reduction of the fractured condylar process is an important prerequisite for re-establishing function. The authors reported about effectiveness of transoral approach for mandibular subcondyle fracture using trochar device in cases that the fracture line is below the reference line, the perpendicular line of the longitudinal axis of condylar process passing the lowest point of sigmoid notch. As a serial study, we report the open reduction via preauricular approach for mandibular condyle fracture, in cases that the fracture line is above the reference line. Patients and Methods: Sixteen condylar fractures of 15 adult patients were divided two groups and treated by open reduction via preauricular approach (8 cases) or by closed reduction (8 cases). The degree of maximal mouth opening, occlusion, anatomical reduction, condylar resorption and complications were assessed and evaluated for the two groups. Results: The open reduction of condyle via preauricular approach leads to good results without permanent complications. Anatomical reduction of open reduction group and maximal mouth opening range of the closed reduction group is significantly better than the other group. No significant differences were found in the condylar resorption and the occlusion. Conclusion: The preauricular approach was useful to reduce and fix the condylar fragment, in cases that the fracture line is above the reference line.