An Alternative Approach to the Pterygopalatine Fossa by Removing the Mandible and Immediately Replacing IT

Abstract

A case is presented of a child with a desmoid tumor of the pterygopalatine fossa in which approximately a third of the mandible including the condyle was removed for exposure. The trimmed mandibular segment was then returned to position with a fascia cap over the condyle and intermaxillary fixation was instituted. The graft was followed by serial roentgenogram over five years. The graft took completely, grew with the patient, and resulted in normal dental occlusion and normal mandibular excursion.