Traumatic dislocation of the mandibular condyle into the middle cranial fossa treated by an intraoral approach

Abstract

Dislocation of the mandibular condyle is one of several consequences of facial trauma that can be anticipated. The condylar neck is inherently weak and likely to fracture at the time of impact before dislocating into the middle cranial fossa. A review of the literature revealed that most cases of dislocation of the mandibular condyle into the middle cranial fossa are treated by open reduction and internal fixation via an extraoral approach or are treated conservatively with closed reduction. An intraoral approach is rare. Here we present a patient with traumatic dislocation of the mandibular condyle into the middle cranial fossa who was treated successfully by condylectomy and coronoidectomy through an intraoral approach and intermaxillary fixation followed by mouth-opening exercises and rehabilitation. Stable occlusion and movement of the mandible was achieved and the long-term results have been good. The intraoral approach may be an option in patients with traumatic dislocation of the mandibular condyle into the middle cranial fossa. Keywords: Dislocation, Mandibular condyle, Middle cranial fossa, Patients