Endoscope-assisted fixation of mandibular condylar process fractures.

PURPOSE Reduction and plate osteosynthesis of condylar fractures often require a wide extraoral approach with the risk of aesthetic impairment and possible facial nerve palsy. To avoid complications, the purpose of this pilot study was to use an endoscopic device for the treatment of condylar fractures also allowing for endoscopically assisted plate application. PATIENTS AND METHODS Seven condylar fractures were operated under endoscopic control. In three patients, a newly developed device for endoscopically controlled plate application was clinically tested. The new device and the application technique is described in detail. RESULTS In two of three cases using this approach, fracture healing was achieved with the condyle in the anatomically correct position. In the third case the plate had to be removed early because of insufficient screw fixation. CONCLUSION This technique may be helpful to further minimize surgical trauma in head and neck fracture treatment. The newly developed plate application device may also be used to approach other regions of the skull eg, the skull base, the zygoma, or the orbit.