The result of endoscope-assisted open reduction and internal fixation (EAORIF) of lateral overridden subcondyle fracture

Introduction: Endoscope-assisted open reduction and internal fixation (EAORIF) reduces the amount of facial scaring, but limitations, such as the possibility to convert to the open technique and the large learning curve, remain. Materials and Methods: The medical records of 19 patients diagnosed as lateral overridden subcondyle fractures and treated with endoscope-assisted open reduction and internal fixation at Yonsei University Health System from December 2006 to August 2010 were reviewed. Results: 11 patients underwent temporary discomfort or pain such as limitation of mouth opening, temporomandibular joint discomfort, lip paresthesia or facial weakness, but the symptoms disappeared within 3 months. There was no severe long-term complication except 2 patients with re-fractures of operated subcondyles. Conclusion: Subcondyle fracture with lateral overridden proximal segment is a better indication of endoscope-assisted open reduction and internal fixation than a condylar head/neck fracture, or medial overridden subcondyle fracture: allowing an anatomic reduction.