Endoscopically assisted intraoral treatment of mandibular fractures

The conservative treatment of dislocated mandibular fractures is widespread. Satisfactory functioning of the temperomandibular joint is not always achieved by forced adaptation in the case of altered temperomandibular joint morphology. In terms of the surgical treatment of mandibular fractures, the use of the miniplate fixation technique for stabilization following anatomic reduction, as well as for avoiding intermaxillary fixation, has stood the test of time.

As a result of the limited intraoral incisions made during the endoscopically assisted treatment of condylar process fractures, damage to the facial nerve and visible scars are avoided. A bloodless optical cavity, which is an important requirement for an endoscopic procedure, is created by the infiltration of local anesthesia containing vasoconstricting elements and by strictly subperiosteal dissection. Right-angled burrs and screwdrivers are used for purely transoral reduction and osteosynthesis.
A precise endoscopic examination of the reduction result can be safely performed even in the difficult to visualize dorsal area of the ascending mandibular ramus.

Dr. Dr. Ralf Schön and Prof. Dr. Dr. Rainer Schmelzeisen