A new coronal scalp technique to treat craniofacial fracture: the supratemporalis approach.

OBJECTIVE

A new coronal scalp approach, denoted as the supratemporalis approach, was designed to address facial nerve injury induced by the traditional coronal scalp approach.

STUDY

DESIGN

First, the complication rate among 38 cases operated upon with the traditional coronal scalp approach was analyzed retrospectively. Then 40 cases were operated upon using the supratemporalis approach. The rate of complications was recorded. The follow-up periods were 3-17 months.

RESULTS

The facial contours and functions recovered well after the operation in all 78 cases. Seven cases of facial nerve injury, 1 of which was permanent, were observed in the group treated with the traditional coronal scalp approach. No case of facial nerve injury was observed in the group treated with the supratemporalis approach.

CONCLUSIONS

The supratemporalis approach prevented facial nerve injury and did not increase the frequency of other complications. It is therefore worthy of application in the clinical setting.