Scarless Modified Approach to Subcondylar Fracture Bypassing the Parotid Gland- A Case Report

Subcondylar fractures contribute about 19-29% amongst all the mandibular fractures worldwide, yet the treatment paradigm remains slightly controversial. Subcondylar fractures are pivotal in maxillofacial surgery for diverse reasons, as they can result in number of complications, whether treated or not. Initial clinical outcomes may appear pragmatic but complications such as pain, restrictions of jaw movements, muscle spasm, mandibular deviation, malocclusion, and facial asymmetry may become apparent. Fracture of tympanic part, mandibular fossa of temporal bone, may or may not be escorted by dislocation of condylar segment into middle cranial fossa, damage to blood vessels, arteriovenous fistula are some additional complications. Choosing right surgical strategy is for minimising postoperative complications management of subcondylar fractures and it should be taken in account that, perioperative, functional, and patient-reported outcomes. The majority of studies that have been published describe the use submandibular, retromandibular, or preauricular incisions have drawbacks such as poor visibility, accessibility, and the potential to harm facial nerve and complications related to the parotid gland. Hereby, the authors present a case report of left subcondylar fracture in a 55-year-old, male patient, where a modified percutaneous approach was taken, to access the fracture, and aid in adequate reduction and proper fixation without any postoperative complications. In this approach, parotid gland is bypassed and masseter muscle fibres are excised to reach the fractured site at subcondylar region. It is small, straight forward, elementary, safe, reliable and scarless approach for the management of subcondylar fractures that ensures adequate exposure of the fractured site, osteosynthesis and minimal potential postoperative complications.