Abstract: PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of submandibular small incision for treatment of condylar neck fracture. METHODS: The study included 26 cases with preoperative diagnosis of condylar neck fractures who needed surgical therapy. A small incision was performed in the mandibular angle, followed by separation and protection of the marginal mandibular branch of facial nerve, the posterior 1/3 of the masseter muscles were incised. After exposure of the fractures, anatomical reduction and titanium plate fixation were conducted. RESULTS: All patients returned to normal occlusion, and mouth opening was normal. There was no facial nerve injury among all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Good results were gained with submandibular approach using the space between marginal mandibular branch and inferior buccal branch of the facial nerve in patients suffering from condylar neck fractures.

Key words: Condylar neck fracture, Submandibular approach, Small incision