Endoscopic approach to the ramus/condyle unit: Clinical applications.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this report is to describe use of an endoscopic technique for exposure of the mandibular ramus/condyle unit (RCU) to facilitate reconstructive jaw procedures.

METHODS

This is a retrospective evaluation of 10 patients with diagnoses of idiopathic condylar resorption (n = 2), subcondylar fracture (n = 5), mandibular prognathism (n = 1), condylar hyperplasia (n = 1), and mandibular asymmetry (n = 1), who underwent endoscopic exposure of the RCU.

RESULTS

All 10 patients had successful reconstruction of the RCU using the endoscopic approach. The procedures performed included the following: condylectomy (n = 5 sides), costochondral graft reconstruction (n = 4 sides), reduction of subcondylar fracture (n = 5 sides), and mandibular ramus osteotomy (n = 4 sides). Mean operating time was 84 minutes. No patients had marginal mandibular nerve weakness or other complications.

CONCLUSIONS

This case series demonstrates the feasibility of endoscopic access to the RCU. The procedures can be performed with no increase in operative time and with minimal morbidity.