Endoscopically assisted mandibular subcondylar fracture repair

The endoscope has been widely used in aesthetic surgery in recent years, bu t rarely has it been used in cases of facial trauma. From July of 1996 to D ecember of 1996, the endoscope was used successfully to assist in the repai r of mandibular subcondylar fractures in eight patients (five men and three women). Their ages ranged from 15 to 60 years with an average age of 31 ye ars. Six of the patients had other associated mandibular fractures includin g angular, parasymphyseal, and contralateral subcondylar fractures. A 4.0-m m, 30-degree telescope was introduced to visualize the fracture site by mea ns of an intraoral incision ol er the ascending ramus. a miniplate was used to stabilize the fracture site with the help of a percutaneous trocar. Int ermaxillary fixation was applied for 3 to 6 days. Functionally, all patient s returned to normal range of motion within 8 weeks. A slight deviation to the trauma site was noted on maximal opening in three patients, but this co ndition returned to normal 3 months after surgery. There was no facial pals y or lip numbness. The benefits: of the endoscopic approach include not onl y the provision of better visualization and precise anatomic alignment of b ony segments but also the avoidance of large facial scars and facial nerve injuries.