[Transoral miniplate osteosynthesis of mandibular condyle fractures--optimizing the surgical method]

Under certain conditions dislocated low subcondylar fractures of the mandible can be reset by intraoral approach and treated using miniplate osteosynthesis. This approach protects the facial skin as well as Ramus marginalis. Over a period of 30 months, the authors performed this surgery on 34 patients with dislocated low subcondylar fractures of the mandible. This approach requires a 90 degree drill and screw device, a special resetting hook and retractors. The surgery is performed preferably under endoscopic viewing conditions. The results show that transoral miniplate osteosynthesis is technically feasible, representing a recommended therapy considering the particular indication and requiring the equipment specified above.