The endoscope-assisted technique for the repair of subcondylar fractures of the mandible has been in use for approximately a decade, and its acceptance continues to grow as more surgeons gain experience. It provides for transoral access to the condylar neck region of the mandible, allowing for repair of fractures in this region with minimal if any facial scarring, while also minimizing the risk of facial nerve injury. The authors describe their technique for performing the transoral, endoscopic-assisted approach for repair of subcondylar fractures and report their experience with 48 endoscopic explorations. No facial nerve injuries were encountered, and the success rate for the technique is reasonable; however, the surgeon and patient must be prepared for the possibility that an open surgical procedure may be necessary. There is a steep learning curve, and the procedure may be time consuming, particularly early on. Still, it is a reasonable technique, and it will likely remain part of the armamentarium of the craniomaxillofacial trauma surgeon.

Treatment options for palatal fractures range from orthodontic braces, acrylic bars, and arch bars for maxillomandibular fixation to internal fixation, with plates and screws placed under the palate mucosa and periosteum, together with pyriform aperture or alveolar plating plus buttress reconstruction. Forty-five patients, ages 4 to 56, were treated using medium-or high-profile locking plates placed over the palatal mucosa as an external fixator for palatal fractures, together with treatment for other associated facial fractures. In open fractures, plates were placed after approximating the edges of the mucosal wounds. Plates and screws for palate fixation were removed at 12 weeks, when computed tomography scans provided evidence of fracture healing. All palatal fractures healed by 12 weeks, with no cases of mucosal necrosis, bone exposure, fistulae, or infections. This approach achieves adequate stability, reduces the risk of bone and mucosal necrosis, and promotes healing of mucosal wounds in case of open fractures.

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Introduction: Cranial defects due to trauma are frequent. They are usually repaired in a secondary fashion due to features such as syndrome of the trephined, for brain protection and for cosmetic purposes. Historically, various materials have been used for reconstruction. Case reports: Five cases of patients reconstructed with customized polyetheretherketone (PEEK) o polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) implants are presented. Defects involved the frontal bone, superior orbital rim and orbital roof in four cases, and the lateral area of the frontal bone, the temporoparietal area and the border of the occipital bone in one. In four patients, reconstruction took place between 6 and 12 months after the injury; in one patient, after 25 years. Two cases required tissue expansion before placing the implant. Results: Four patients evolved favorably, with improvement in neurologic symptoms and adequate shape and contour, plus adequate healing of the scalp flaps. One patient had an infection due to Staphylococcus aureus, attributed to a mucocele and fistula between the airway and the cranial cavity, leading to removal of the implant. Conclusions: Customized implants are a useful resource for cranial defects. They offer satisfactory results, both functional and cosmetic. Precautions should be taken in treating injuries that involve the frontal sinus, to ensure there is no communication between the airway and the cranial cavity.