Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Low Subcondylar Fractures of Mandible Through High Cervical Transmasseteric Anteroparotid Approach

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the functional and radiologic results of low subcondylar fracture fixation with modus TCP plates (Medartis, Basel, Switzerland) using a high Cervical transmasseteric anteroparotid approach. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was designed, enrolling all minimum-aged 15-year-old echomorphology patients presenting with displaced low subcondylar fracture with occlusion disturbances during it 41-month period. All fractures were fixed with modus TCP plates using high cervical transmasseteric anteroparotid approach All patients underwent immediate physiotherapy and a 6-week liquid and semiliquid feeding period. Clinical and radiologic examinations were performed at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months A total of 35 patients presenting with 38 fractures were enrolled with it mean follow-up of 17 months. Results: All fractures had healed at 6 months in the correct anatomic position ill 73.7% Occlusion was deemed normal in 80% of the patients. The mandibular movement was normal in 97 1%, with the mouth opening Lip to 40 mm, mean lateral movement of I I MM Without a difference between the 2 sides, and it mean protrusion of 12 mm. Minimal asymmetry remained in 15 6% No facial palsy occurred, including no transient facial palsy Complications consisted of 1 infection and 1 plate fracture requiring surgical revision. Conclusions: Low subcondylar fracture fixation With modus TCP plates using a high cervical transmasseteric anteroparotid approach is a safe and reproducible procedure providing excellent functional results This procedure has been routinely performed ill our department. (C) 2009 American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 67:2446-2451, 2009