The perilobule approach to subcondylar fractures

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Subcondylar fractures are common facial injuries.
• Existing surgical approaches (submandibular, preauricular, retromandibular) present challenges for managing subcondylar fractures.
• A need exists for a more direct and efficient surgical technique.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a novel surgical approach for subcondylar fractures.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of this new technique.

Main Methods:

• A new surgical technique, the short perilobe approach, was developed.
• The approach involves an incision anterior and posterior to the ear lobe (combined preauricular and retroauricular).
• Open reduction and internal fixation were performed on 17 consecutive patients.

Main Results:

• The short perilobe approach provided direct access to the fracture site.
• Surgical time and procedural complexity were reduced.
• All patients showed correct radiologic reduction and fixation, with no postoperative complications like occlusal disturbances, trismus, or nerve lesions.

Conclusions:

• The short perilobe approach is an effective and safe method for treating displaced subcondylar fractures.
• This technique simplifies the surgical procedure and leads to excellent patient outcomes.