Year : 2024

Volume : Volume 15

Issue : Issue 1

Address for correspondence :
K. Vivek Manohar
vivekmanohar305@gmail.com

Abstract

Despite the extensive research and analysis, differences do exist around the management of subcondylar fractures. A multitude of treatment options have been put forward such as conservative management, open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) using a variety of approaches to the fracture site and endoscopic surgery. With the inclination of the maxillofacial fraternity toward ORIF conservative closed reduction has become obsolete. In contrast to other approaches, retromandibular approach seems to be appropriate in the management of subcondylar fractures attributable to its advantages such as adequate exposure, reduced operating time, and less risk of injury to the vital structures like marginal mandibular branches of facial nerve with minimal or no complications. Retromandibular approach has two variations: Which are transparotid and retroparotid approaches. The retroparotid modification of retromandibular approach has an added advantage apart from the above mentioned advantages. As the name suggests, the dissection is carried out posterior to the parotid gland thus protecting it from injury during dissection. Several studies have been conducted and proved the potential of retroparotid variant. This paper describes the positive results obtained by employing retroparotid approach in a patient with subcondylar fracture.