Endoscope-assisted repair of facial bone fractures

Cho, Yeong Cheol; Sung, Iel Yong; Byun, Ki Jung

Abstract

Today, endoscopic procedures are common in diagnostic and other surgical procedures, with endoscopically enhanced and magnified images permitting surgical access through minimal incisions. This has expanded the treatment options for many difficult anatomic sites, and the endoscope facilitated safe anatomic reduction and fixation. The use of the endoscope may reduce the disadvantages of open fracture repair and should be considered for broad application in the treatment of displaced facial bone fractures. Optical endoscopic magnification minimizes the disadvantages associated with open surgical repair, including the risk of facial nerve injury and external facial scarring, and no postoperative complications have been attributable to the endoscopic approach. This technique was used in 14 patients treated at Ulsan University Hospital, Korea, from September 2004 to August 2006, including six mandibular subcondyle fractures, five blowout fractures and three zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures. Careful preoperative evaluation and proper surgical technique were essential to achieve optimal results in the selected patients.