Journal
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY
Volume 32, Issue 3, Pages 253-256Publisher
CHURCHILL LIVINGSTONE
DOI: 10.1054/ijom.2002.0270
Keywords
condylar fracture; retromandibular approach; facial nerve
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
This prospective study was carried out to assess the morbidity of the retromandibular approach in the management of condylar fractures. Twenty consecutive patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation of their condylar fractures using this technique. Branches of the facial nerve were encountered in six cases (30%). Temporary weakness of the facial nerve occurred in six patients (30%), but this resolved in all cases within 3 months and there were no cases of permanent nerve injury. Two patients had a temporary deficit of the great auricular nerve and one patient developed a sialocoele that resolved with aspiration. A cadaveric study using 30 facial halves (15 fresh cadavers) was also conducted. Branches of the facial nerve were encountered in 12 dissections (40%). The literature regarding facial nerve morbidity in relation to the management of condylar fractures is reviewed.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available