Osteosíntesis intraoral asistida por endoscopia en las fracturas del proceso condilar de la mandíbula: revisión de 53 casos

Abstract

ObjectivesThe anatomic reduction with rigid fixation of an extracapsular mandibular condyle fracture is essential to ensure that the joint functions correctly. The intraoral approach has been shown to be safe and with a low morbidity. The authors review a series of 53 patients with extracapsular mandibular condyle fractures treated using open reduction and rigid internal fixation by an exclusively endoscopically assisted intraoral access. Material and methodsThe purpose of the surgery was the anatomical reduction and internal fixation by means of rigid osteosynthesis via an intraoral incision. A review is presented of the cases where this procedure was used between 2007 and 2011. ResultsThirty five sub-condyle fractures and 20 condylar neck fractures repairs were made using this method. Over half of the fractures (55%) had one or more associated fractures. The correction or improved alignment of the fragments were observed in 51 (92%) using orthopantomography. Inter-maxillary fixation was avoided in 37 (69.8%) of the patients. In these patients the oral aperture recovered at five and a half weeks form the surgery. In the rest, the period was almost 9 weeks after the removal of the block. Five patients had occlusal changes, while one patient had an oral aperture limitation. ConclusionsOpen reduction with rigid internal fixation of extracapsular mandibular condyle fractures using an endoscopically assisted intraoral approach is an effective, safe, and reproducible treatment.