Anatomic Approaches

Abstract

Good exposure to the fracture site is the key to anatomic reposition and stable osteosynthesis. Nerve or vascular damage by surgical approaches to the bone must be strictly avoided. A careful neurological evaluation of sensory (supraorbital, infraorbital, or mental nerve) and motor nerves (facial or occulomotorius nerve) is therefore mandatory before operating on the patient. The most often damaged nerve is the marginal branch of the facial nerve during osteosynthesis of the horizontal branch of the mandible. The open fracture treatment with osteosynthesis must include the careful planning of the skin incisions for optimal cosmetic and functional results.