Modified Blair Approach for the Treatment of Mandibular Condyle Fractures

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Trauma Surgery
• Orthognathic Surgery

Background:

• Management of mandibular condyle fractures lacks a consensus approach.
• Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) are common treatment modalities.
• The modified Blair approach is a surgical technique for accessing the mandibular condyle.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of the modified Blair approach for ORIF of mandibular condyle fractures.
• To assess the safety and complication rates associated with this surgical method.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 18 patients (20 fractures) treated between 2014-2020.
• Surgical intervention using the modified Blair approach for open reduction and internal fixation.
• Assessment of postoperative occlusion, mouth opening, and complication rates (e.g., nerve palsy, fistula).

Main Results:

• 94.4% of patients achieved pre-traumatic occlusion post-surgery.
• Mean maximal mouth opening was 37.6 mm (range 33-41 mm).
• Low complication rate: transient facial nerve palsy (5.6%) and salivary fistula (5.6%) in one patient each.

Conclusions:

• The modified Blair approach demonstrates satisfactory clinical outcomes for mandibular condyle fractures.
• This technique offers a safe and effective alternative for ORIF.
• Low complication rates support its use in managing these fractures.