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Versatility of the Berger-Tenenhaus Approach for Mandibular Fractures
1Department of Surgery, Institute for Plastic Surgery, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, IL.
Introduction:
Mandibular fractures between the angle and condyle can be difficult to access and treat. The authors sought to evaluate a small transcutaneous incision between the marginal mandibular and buccal nerve branches (Berger-Tenenhaus incision) to treat these fractures.
Methods:
Ten cadaveric hemi-faces were dissected. Surrounding facial nerve branches were identified and measured in relation to the discussed incision. Our clinical experience with the approach for mandibular angle, ramus, subcondylar, and condylar fractures was reviewed. Operative technique and postoperative outcomes were examined.
Results:
The incision is located in a safe interval between neighboring facial nerve branches. Marginal mandibular nerve branches maintained a consistent distance beneath the incision along its length (median distances of 0.95-cm (SD ± 0.5), 1.05-cm (SD ± 0.5), and 1.00-cm (SD ± 0.8) posterior to anterior, respectively). Buccal nerve branches increased in distance and ascended away from the incision line (median distances of 0.75-cm (SD ± 0.9), 1.4-cm (SD ± 0.8), and 1.45-cm (SD ± 0.9) respectively posterior to anterior). No nerves were injured. In our clinical experience, all postoperative patients (n = 9) have had successful fracture reduction with restoration of occlusion, intact facial nerve function and an acceptable cosmetic result.
Conclusions:
The Berger-Tenenhaus incision can safely and efficiently be used to treat difficult to access mandible fractures between the angle and condyle.
Level Of Evidence:
VI.
