SURGICAL TREATMENT OF INTRAARTICULAR FRACTURES OF THEMANDIBULAR CONDYLE – INTRODUCING A NEW METHOD OF TREATMENT

• Main Author: Aleš Vesnaver
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Slovenian Medical Association 2008-04-01
• Series: Zdravniški Vestnik
• Online Access: http://vestnik.szd.si/index.php/ZdravVest/article/view/472

BACKGROUND Intraarticular fractures of the mandibular condyle head within the temporomandibularjoint (TMJ) are a contraindication for surgical treatment at most institutions dealing withfacial fractures.Patients and From July 2004 until the end of 2006, 12 patients with 15 intraarticular fractures of themethods mandibular condyle head had been treated at the Department of Oral and MaxillofacialSurgery in Ljubljana, using the preauricular approach. RESULTS Eleven of the 12 patients can open their mouths for 40 mm or more, none of them experiencesignificant deflections of the chin. We didn’t have a single case of postoperative weaknessof the temporal branch of the facial nerve. None of the patients experience pain uponrest, palpation or chewing. CONCLUSIONS Using the appropriate surgical approach and technique makes the surgical procedure safeand leads to good results