A Modified Minimally Invasive Approach for the Treatment of Mandibular Condylar Fracture

In this study, we introduced a small "V" shaped incision around the ear lobe modified from fact-lift approach to treat the mandibular condylar neck and subcondylar fractures to further minimize and hide the postsurgical scars. A total of 15 cases with mandibular condylar fractures from low levels of condylar neck to high levels of subcondylar region were treated by this approach. An incision was designed from the posterior rim of the tragus down to the anterior skin wrinkle to the ear lobe, surrounding it, continually up and backward for a little distance, forming a "V"-like shape. After cutting and elevation of the skin flap, the remaining steps were the same as those in trans-parotid mini-invasive approaches. The surgical scars introduced in this study were more hidden than those in other mini-invasive approaches and all patients were satisfied with their aesthetic appearances. We suggested that the modified "V" shaped mini-invasive approach has an advantage in achieving aesthetic results and could be an alternative incision in treating some types of mandibular condylar and subcondylar fractures.