Endoscopic fracture treatment.

Experience from TMJ arthroscopy and endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery has enabled oral and maxillofacial surgeons to use endoscopic assisted treatment in other operative fields. The endoscopic assisted management of maxillofacial trauma has been described for the treatment of fractures of the mandibular condyle, the zygomatic complex, the orbit and the frontal sinus. The operative management for open reduction and fixation of fractures by miniplate osteosynthesis has not changed. Using endoscopic assisted techniques limited incisions can be used and intraoperative control after fracture reduction in areas of limited exposure and visibility is possible. The indications for open treatment of maxillofacial trauma have not changed because of these endoscopic approaches.