A new surgical approach, denoted as the supratemporalis approach, was designed to treat diacapitular condylar fractures of the mandibular condyle.This approach prevented facial nerve injury and did not increase the frequency of other complications. Therefore, the investigators suggest this surgical procedure as a routine and safe approach to diacapitular condylar fractures, which can also be applied to temporomandibular joint（TMJ）and to the zygomatic arch.
Eighty-four patients (112 sides) with diacapitular condylar fractures were treated surgically. Forty-four patients (64 sides) were treated with the supratemporalis approach, and forty patients (48 sides) were treated with traditional preauricular approach. Data on the surgical procedures and complications were recorded. The follow-up periods were 12 -24months. The evaluated parameters include facial nerve injury，the maximum mouth opening, mandibular movements, occlusion, scar formation，hemorrhage and infection.Seven patients sustained facial nerve paresis in the group treated with the traditional preauricular approach. No case of facial nerve injury was observed in the supratemporalis approach group. No other significant differences were detected between the two groups in the functional and esthetic aspects.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
1
The supratemporalis approach was applied in treatment of diacapitular condylar fractures
Change from facial nerve function at 24 hours postoperatively
The patients were instructed to raise their eyebrows, wrinkle the forehead, gently close the eyes, blow the cheek and smile. Paralysis of the facial nerve was deemed to have occurred if these motions were not achieved.
Time frame: 24 hours
Change from facial nerve function at 1 week postoperatively
The patients were instructed to raise their eyebrows, wrinkle the forehead, gently close the eyes, blow the cheek and smile. Paralysis of the facial nerve was deemed to have occurred if these motions were not achieved.
Time frame: 1 week
Change from facial nerve function at 3 months postoperatively
The patients were instructed to raise their eyebrows, wrinkle the forehead, gently close the eyes, blow the cheek and smile. Paralysis of the facial nerve was deemed to have occurred if these motions were not achieved.
Time frame: 3 months
Change from facial nerve function at 6 months postoperatively
The patients were instructed to raise their eyebrows, wrinkle the forehead, gently close the eyes, blow the cheek and smile. Paralysis of the facial nerve was deemed to have occurred if these motions were not achieved.
Time frame: 6 months
Change from facial nerve function at 12 months postoperatively
The patients were instructed to raise their eyebrows, wrinkle the forehead, gently close the eyes, blow the cheek and smile. Paralysis of the facial nerve was deemed to have occurred if these motions were not achieved.
Time frame: 12 months
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