The controversy persists in the present times too when it comes to the treatment of condylar fractures. Various extra-oral approaches have been described for the surgical management of condylar fractures, the Hinds retromandibular approach being the most popular one. The dissection in retromandibular approach can either be through the parotid gland, i.e. transparotid (TP), or the parotid gland can be bypassed as in transmasseteric anteroparotid (TMAP) approach. This study was conducted to evaluate the outcome and complications associated with TP and TMAP approaches.

Total 28 patients diagnosed with condylar/subcondylar fractures requiring ORIF were included in the study. In (group A) 14 patients TMAP approach was used, while in rest 14 patients (group B) TP approach was used. The patients were assessed for the level of condylar fracture, associated other fractures, operating time required and post-operative complications which included nerve injury, sialocoele, infection and avascular necrosis.

In TMAP group, the mean operating time was 255.21 min and one patient presented with the complication of nerve injury. In TP group, the mean operating time was 272.79 min. Nerve injury was present in five patients out of which one patient also suffered from infection and avascular necrosis. Three patients reported with sialocoele. On comparison between TMAP and TP groups, there was no statistical significant difference present.

TMAP approach showed fewer complications than TP approach, and hence, TMAP approach is best for beginner surgeons in treating condylar fractures.