[Eckelt's technic: an evaluation of the access route used at Salpêtrière Hospital]. / Technique d'Eckelt: évaluation de la voie d'abord utilisée à la Salpêtrière.

ABSTRACT

AIM: We report a prospective study undertaken to investigate the morbidity connected with the approach of lag screw osteosynthesis for the treatment of subcondylar fractures in the department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery at the Salpêtrière University Hospital. METHOD: 24 patients have been operated between November 1997 and December 1998. We estimated the accessibility, the size and quality of scars the satisfaction index, and the complication rate. RESULTS: The average size of scars was 3 cm (2.5-4). Their quality was satisfactory, except for an hypertrophic and an invaginated one. The satisfaction index was always excellent and often superior to the surgeon one. COMPLICATIONS three paresis in the mental territory of the facial nerve regressive in three months, a salivary fistula regressive in three weeks, an hematoma and a subcutaneous infection. These different criteria improved during the study. CONCLUSION: The approach is not free of risks but these ones seem to decrease with surgeon's experience.