Author/Editor		Vesnaver, Aleš; Eberlinc, Andreja; Kansky, Andrej; Dovšak, David; Gorjanc, Matija
Title		Sodobna načela zdravljenja zlomov kondilarnega odrastka mandibule
Type		članek
Source		In: Repše S, Tršinar B, editors. Zbornik predavanj 39. podiplomskega tečaja kirurgije; 2003 okt 17-18; Ljubljana. Ljubljana: Kirurška klinika, Klinični center,
Publication year		2003
Volume		str. 35-41
Language		slo
Abstract		In the past, fractures of the mandibular condylar process were treated almost exclusively conservatively at our institution, by means of a three week period of intermaxillary fixation (IMF), followed by excercises and a soft diet. In the last three years, we started treating these fractures operatively with increasing frequency, by open reduction and internal fixation with miniplates and screws. So far, we operated on 27 patients with 28 extraarticular condyle fractures. The operative procedure is demanding, as branches of the facial nerve have to be identified, dissected and retracted, in order to reach the fracture site. In spite of this, the procedure is safe with a careful technique and the results of operative treatment are excellent. All of the patients were able to open their mouth immediately postoperatively, the period of postoperative IMF was maximally 1 week, occlusion was achieved in all cases. Six patients had transitory weakness of the facial nerve branches, most often the buccal and zygomatic branch. Of these, 5 resolved completely at 2-8 weeks, while a mild degree of weakness is still present in the lower eyelid and half of the upper lip in a female patient, 11 months postoperatively. The cosmetic effect is good, as the periauricular facelift incision leaves a barely perceptible scar. The first results of our series are presented.
Descriptors		MANDIBULAR CONDYLE MANDIBULAR FRACTURES TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DISORDERS POSTOPERATIVE CARE TREATMENT OUTCOME