A preauricular long-corniform approach for open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular condylar fractures

IntroductionWe report functional and clinical outcomes following use of a preauricular long-corniform incision for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of mandibular condylar fractures.Materials and methodsPatients with mandibular condylar fractures who underwent ORIF via a 120° preauricular long-corniform incision were included in the study. A total of 78 patients (100 condyles) were included. Follow-up occurred 10 days and 1–6 months after surgery, and included assessments of clinical, functional outcome, complications, and bone fusion.ResultsThere were 38 high neck, 26 low base, and 35 diacapitular condylar fractures. All measures of functional outcome significantly improved over time after surgery regardless of fracture type (all P < 0.001). The vast majority of patients in all fracture type groups had good occlusion (≥88.5%), no pain (≥89.5%), and anatomical reduction 10 days after surgery (≥81.6%). Fracture healing was complete in all patients after 6 months. There were no long-term complications and all patients were satisfied with their postoperative appearance.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that a preauricular long-corniform incision provides a good visual field during surgery, and allows for effective ORIF of mandibular high neck, low base, and diacapitular condylar fractures, with positive outcomes and minimal postoperative complications.