"Cervicomastoid Versus Retromandibular Extension of Pre-Auricular Incision in Transmasseteric Anteroparotid Approach for Condylar Fracture Management-a Prospective Study".

Abstract

Treating mandibular condylar fractures has always been a matter of debate and controversy. However, there are various approaches, but it is of utmost importance that the surgical procedure must guarantee maximum safety for the facial nerve with best cosmetic outcome and minimizing complications. This prospective study was designed to compare cervicomastoid and retromandibular extension of pre-auricular incision in transmasseteric anteroparotid approach for condylar fractures management. The study was conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere from November 2015 to May 2017, and a total of 16 condylar fractures were surgically accessed for the management and were divided into two groups, cervicomastoid (Group A) and retromandibular extension (Group B) for evaluating parameters such as to assess the access to condylar region, post-operative edema, cosmetic outcome, time taken to access and facial nerve injury. Clinically the time taken was significantly less in the cervicomastoid group even though, there was no statistically significant difference regarding access to the fracture site, post-operative edema, facial nerve injury and cosmetic outcome between two groups. In our opinion the anteroparotid transmasseteric approach is appropriate for surgical management of mandibular condylar fractures as it provides adequate access, ensures safety of the facial nerve and is relatively easy to master. We realize that rather both incisions are good, but cervicomastoid variant is better choice in many aspects one being time taken for the surgery because of better tissue laxity of neck skin when seen in comparison.