Postauricular approach for surgery of the temporomandibular articulation

The adaptation of a postauricular approach for surgical exposure of the temporomandibular articulation is presented. The ease, safety, and predictability of extensive exposure have led us to use this approach exclusively for surgical intervention in this region. It has been effectively used in cases of trauma, pathologic conditions, and reconstruction involving the TMJ. In addition to the cases reported in this series, the procedure may be adapted to oblique subcondylar oestotomies and to the treatment of a variety of regional neoplastic processes and other forms of TMJ dysfunctions that may be encountered.