Assessing the Risk of Parotitis in the Retromandibular Transparotid Approach: Myth or Reality

Abstract The selection of surgical incisions for the management of subcondylar fractures aims to achieve optimal visualization of the fracture line while minimizing surgical trauma. A critical consideration in these procedures is preserving the parotid gland and facial nerve to prevent complications. Among the various approaches, the retromandibular transparotid technique has been reported to result in the lowest incidence of parotid and facial nerve-related complications, including parotitis and sialocele. While parotid sialocele and facial nerve palsy are commonly recognized postsurgical concerns, parotitis is often overlooked in clinical practice. This article presents a case of a 30-year-old male who underwent surgical management of a subcondylar fracture under general anesthesia. The postoperative course was uneventful until 1 year later when the patient developed parotitis. This case highlights the delayed onset of parotid complications following subcondylar fracture management and underscores the importance of long-term follow-up in patients undergoing such procedures.