A sheep model for endoscopic treatment of mandible subcondylar fractures

José Luis López-Cedrún, Zachary Ewart, Ramón Luaces-Rey, Jorge Arenaz-Búa, Beatriz Patiño-Seijas, Alberto Centeno, Eduardo López, Eduardo D. Rodriguez

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Mandible subcondylar fractures may be treated via a traditional visible access incision; however, with the advances in surgical endoscopy surgeons are transitioning to a minimally invasive approach in an effort to reduce surgical morbidity and external facial scarring. We sought to design a clinically applicable teaching tool in a large animal model that would allow the operator to gain experience treating mandible subcondylar fractures via an endoscopic approach. Methods: A large animal model was developed using the Churra sheep. Subcondylar fractures were created, reduced, and internally plated in ten specimens via an extraoral, two-port endoscopic approach. Animals were monitored for surgical success during the intraoperative and immediate postoperative periods. Results: Mandibles were reduced and fixated successfully in each of the animals. Operative time was reduced from 70 to 40 min as the surgeons became more familiar with the surgical procedure. Each of the ten Churra sheep used in the study tolerated the surgeries without postoperative complications. Conclusions: Capitalizing on a mandibular anatomy similar to humans, the Churra sheep successfully demonstrated utility for the extraoral, endoscopic approach in treating mandibular condyle fractures. This model offers surgeons the opportunity to gain surgical endoscopic experience before treating clinical patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2644-2650
Number of pages7
JournalSurgical endoscopy
Volume26
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Condylar fractures
  • Endoscopic approach
  • Facial trauma
  • Mandibular condyle
  • Subcondylar fractures

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery

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