Short retromandibular approach of subcondylar fractures - Clinical and radiologic long-term evaluation

Objective. The classic technique far open reduction of subcondylar fracture is the submandibular approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term clinical and radiologic results of the short retromandibular approach to displaced suhcondylar fractures. Material and methods. During a period of 66 months we performed a prospective study with a modified version of the retromandibular approach in 38 patients with displaced subcondylar fractures. In this article we describe clinical and radiologic results in 19 patients with follow-ups longer than 6 months (range, 6 to 66 months). Preoperatively all patients had malocclusion and radiology demonstrated displacement. Results. The retromandibular surgical approach was successful in all cases, Roughly 25 months after surgery, mouth opening was 43 mm with symmetric laterotrusive movements. Permanent marginal nerve palsy was never observed. Conclusions. Our findings indicate that the short retromandibular approach is an easy and safe technique for displaced subcondylar fractures.