Minimally invasive surgery for coronoid hyperplasia: endoscopically assisted intraoral coronoidectomy

The term hyperplasia of the coronoid process of the mandible defines an abnormal elongation of the coronoid process consisting of histologically normal bone. The main clinical finding of hyperplasia of the coronoid process is a progressive painless difficulty in opening the mouth owing to the contact with the temporal surface of the zygomatic bone or medial surface of the zygomatic arch. Computed tomography with three-dimensional reconstruction is essential and is the gold standard for an accurate diagnosis. The etiology remains unknown, although several theories have been suggested. The main aim of treatment was to restore mouth opening, and this article introduces and illustrates the advantages of endoscopic assistance for coronoidectomy through the classic "intraoral" approach and emphasize this minimally invasive approach.