Modified trans-oral approach for mandibular condylectomy

Different approaches to the mandibular condyle have been described. In this paper, a modified trans-oral technique to access the mandibular condyle is described and illustrated. This technique was used in a small group of patients; the clinical outcomes are promising. The technique can be used in various temporomandibular joint (TMJ) operations, such as condylar resection, high condylectomy or tumor removal. It provides adequate intra-oral surgical access to the mandibular condyle and avoids complications from extra-oral approaches to the TMJ.     

成人下颌骨髁突骨折的手术治疗

对成人髁突骨折采用手术与非手术治疗,学术界一直存在着不同程度的分歧。随着各种小型接骨板、坚强内固定技术的成熟应用,许多学者主张对成人双侧髁突颈部以下脱位性骨折,双侧髁突矢状外脱位性骨折,单侧髁突颈部以下脱位性、移位性骨折行积极外科手术治疗。对髁突骨折患者行外科手术、坚强内固定治疗,可以保证骨折固定具备坚固性和稳定性,并尽早行使功能。本文对髁突骨折外科手术治疗的固定方式、手术入路(耳前入路、下颌下入路、颌后入路、除皱手术入路和近年来报道增多的内窥镜辅助下口内入路)的选择进行了阐述。     

Ectopic third molar in the mandibular condyle: A review of the literature

Objectives: To evaluate the etiopathogenesis, clinical features, therapeutic options, and surgical approaches for removal of ectopic third molars in the mandibular condyle. Study design: MEDLINE search of articles published on ectopic third molars in the mandibular condyle from 1980 to 2011. 14 well-documented clinical cases from the literature were evaluated together with a new clinical case provided by the authors, representing a sample of 15 patients. Results: We found a mean age at diagnosis of 48.6 years and a higher prevalence in women. In 14 patients, associated radiolucent lesions were diagnosed on radiographic studies and confirmed histopathologically as odontogenic cysts. Clinical symptoms were pain and swelling in the jaw or preauricular region, trismus, difficulty chewing, cutaneous fistula and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Treatment included conservative management in one case and in the other cases, surgical removal by intra- or extraoral approaches, the latter being the most common approach carried out. In most reported cases, serious complications were not outlined. Conclusions: The etiopathogenic theory involving odontogenic cysts in the displacement of third molars to the mandibular condyle seems to be the most relevant. They must be removed if they cause symptoms or are associated with cystic pathology. The surgical route must be planned according to the location and position of the ectopic third molar, and the possible morbidity associated with surgery. Key words:Third molar, ectopic tooth, condyle, mandible.     

Bifid Hyperplastic Mandibular Condyle

Condylar hyperplasia is a rare non-neoplastic pathology associated with overgrowth of the mandibular condyle. Presentation of condylar hyperplasia with bifid mandibular condyle has never been reported in literature. Early management of the hyperplastic disorders of the mandibular condyle can prevent occlusal canting and developing asymmetric deformities. We report a case of ‘Bifid Hyperplastic Mandibular Condyle’ in a 14-year-old male with emphasis on early surgical intervention. To best of our knowledge, the present case is the first reported case of bifid mandibular condyle with condylar hyperplasia and 66th reported case of bifid mandibular condyle in living human population.     

Epidemiology and treatment outcome of surgically treated mandibular condyle fractures. A five years retrospective study

Surgical management of mandibular condyle fractures is still controversial. Although it provides better outcome than closed treatment questions still remain about the surgical approach and the osteosynthesis devices to be used.Between 2005 and 2010, we managed 168 mandibular condyle fractures with open treatment. Two surgical approaches were used in this study, a pre-auricular and a high submandibular approach (one or the other or as a combined approach). Internal fixation was performed using TCP^® plates (Medartis, Basel, Switzerland) or with two lag screws (15 and 17 mm). Delta plates were used in 15 cases (8.9%).We report the epidemiology of these fractures and the outcomes of the surgical treatment. We assessed the complications related to the surgical procedure and those related to the osteosynthesis material.The facial nerve related complication rate was very low and the osteosynthesis materials used proved to be strong enough to realize a stable fixation.The two approaches used in this study appeared to be safe with good aesthetic results.Most of the surgical procedure failures occurred in high subcondylar fractures especially when bilateral.     

Superolateral dislocation of an intact mandibular condyle into the temporal fossa: case report and literature review

Temporomandibular joint dislocation refers to the dislodgement of mandibular condyle from the glenoid fossa. Anterior and anteromedial dislocations of the mandibular condyle are frequently reported in the literature, but superolateral dislocation is a rare presentation. This report outlines a case of superolateral dislocation of an intact mandibular condyle that occurred in conjunction with an ipsilateral mandibular parasymphysis fracture. A review of the clinical features of superolateral dislocation of the mandibular condyle and the possible techniques of its reduction ranging from the most conservative means to extensive surgical interventions is presented.     

Surgical control of mandibular growth: test of a recent biomechanical hypothesis

It has been suggested that, by changing the orientation (and hence the function) of the condyle/ascending ramus segment, surgical control of mandibular growth rotation is possible in growing children. To test one aspect of this hypothesis--the effect of changes in condylar orientation--one condyle in each of thirty-five young male rats was rotated surgically, either clockwise or counterclockwise, and then wired to the ramus to preserve the new orientation. Amalgam implants and lateral cephalograms were used to measure the subsequent pattern of mandibular growth. The findings revealed that surgical rotation of the condyle and the subsequent pattern of mandibular displacement are poorly correlated (r = 0.1-0.3). It was concluded, therefore, that changes in the pattern of mandibular rotation that may follow early mandibular advancement are the result of factors other than the orientation of the condyle following surgery.     

Surgical treatment of fractures of the mandibular condyle: a comparison of long-term results following different approaches - functional, axiographical, and radiological findings.

AIM: While functionally stable osteosynthesis is a generally accepted method to treat all dislocated fractures of the skull, open reduction and rigid fixation of fractures of the mandibular condyle are still controversial. The risks involved in the surgical approaches and the difficulties during reposition are the main controversies. Improvements made in surgical access and osteosynthesis materials as well as the development of special instruments were the reasons for re-evaluating the surgical results. METHODS: Forty patients with displaced or dislocated fractures of the mandibular condyle were re-examined. In 20 patients (21 fractures) an intraoral approach, in 20 more patients (24 fractures) an extraoral perimandibular approach was applied. The results were compared by means of axiography and radiology as well as clinically with regard to function 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: While almost all fractures were correctly reduced following application of an extraoral access, reduction was correct in only 50% of the patients treated with an intraoral approach. Re-displacement and complications during osteosynthesis were the reasons. The group of patients treated via the intraoral approach showed less favourable results radiologically, clinically, and as judged by the patients' subjective feelings. Especially axiographical examination of the latter fractures revealed a restricted translation indicating that the fractures had not healed primarily. CONCLUSION: In order to avoid complications, the only fractures which should be treated intraorally are those which allow exact reduction even under the conditions of a limited view and reduced possibilities of surgical manipulation during reduction. This applies in general to fractures of the mandibular condyle with a laterally displaced condyle and a shortened ascending ramus. For all other dislocated or displaced fractures, extraoral reduction and osteosynthesis are the methods of choice.     

螺旋CT三维重建在髁突骨折中的应用

目的探讨螺旋CT三维重建在髁突骨折治疗中的应用价值。方法对47例56侧下颌骨髁突骨折患者的X线全景片和螺旋CT三维重建进行比较分析。结果对髁突骨折手术适应证判断,X线全景片和螺旋CT三维重建组间差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论螺旋CT三维重建有利于确定髁突骨折情况以及骨折的移位程度,有利于治疗方案的设计与实施。     

Surgical complications of mandibular condylar fractures

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the complications of 58 patients who underwent surgery for mandibular condylar process fractures. Data were collected from patients during a 10-year period (1999-2009). The data recorded included demographic data, etiology, diagnosis, type of condylar fracture, surgical approaches, and postoperative complications. A total of 58 underwent surgery for reduction of the condylar fractures. There were 22 patients with bilateral condyle fractures and 36 patients with unilateral condyle fractures, accounting for 65 surgeries. In 8 fractures, a preauricular approach was performed to access the fractures condyle, whereas the retromandibular approach was performed in 57 fractures. There were 2 temporary facial palsies, 1 permanent facial palsy, and 1 sialocele. There were no cases of hypertrophic scar, Frey syndrome, or salivary fistula. In conclusion, permanent deformities after surgical complications were unusual, and the results are acceptably safe.     

Histologic analysis of costochondral and sternoclavicular grafts in the TMJ of the juvenile monkey

Variability in growth response of the mandible after replacement of the mandibular condyle with the costochondral junction of a rib (CCJ) is common. Other donor graft sites that are more similar to the mandibular condyle might be more suitable for mandibular condylar replacement. Previous studies have shown the histomorphologic and developmental similarities between the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The purpose of this study was to evaluate histologically short-term adaptations within the TMJ after replacement of the mandibular condyle with the autogenous sternal head of the clavicle, and to compare these adaptations with autogenous CCJ and mandibular condyle (surgical control) transplants. Bilateral vertical ramus osteotomies were performed in 12 juvenile Macaca mulatta with the left condyle being immediately replaced and the right condyle removed and replaced with either the sternal head of the clavicle or costochondral junction of a rib. All grafts were stabilized with maxillomandibular fixation for five weeks. Two animals in each group were killed at five, 11, and 17 weeks postsurgery and prepared for histologic analysis. The results indicate that: 1) incorporation of all grafts into the recipient site occurred and all animals had good mandibular function and occlusion throughout the follow-up period; 2) the clavicular and mandibular condylar grafts were incorporated sooner than the CCJ grafts; 3) clavicular graft changes resembled those of the condylar grafts histologically while the costal grafts remained inert and unchanged; and 4) a new condylar process with cartilage similar to that of a normal mandibular condyle regenerated in the costal graft animals from cells presumably contributed by the periosteum of the mandibular ramus and TMJ capsule.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Free grafting of traumatically displaced or resected mandibular condyles

A technique of free grafting of the mandibular condyle with a vertical ramus osteotomy is advocated in cases presenting with markedly displaced fracture dislocation of the condyle, in reconstruction of the TMJ after mandibular resection, and in providing access for vascular surgery approaches to the treatment of carotid aneurysms. The technique of free transplantation of the condyle did not result in any aseptic necrosis or any arthritic changes in 35 patients observed over a period of 3 to 15 years. All patients had excellent TMJ function.     

Condylar osteochondroma manifesting as Class III skeletal dysplasia: diagnosis and surgical approach

This is a case report of a 21-year-old man who had a gradually progressive Class III malocclusion and crepitation of the right temporomandibular joint. Routine TMJ tomograms revealed a radiopaque-radiolucent lesion of the right mandibular condyle with a compensatory anteroinferior displacement of the left mandibular condyle. Nuclear bone scans confirmed increased asymmetric technetium 99 tracer uptake in the region of the right temporomandibular joint. A two-stage surgical approach was undertaken; this consisted of excision of the condylar lesion to correct the Class III malocclusion and posterior crossbite and a LeFort I osteotomy to correct the slight transverse maxillary cant and anterior open bite. A histopathologic diagnosis confirmed osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle.     

Ectopic mandibular third molar leading to osteomyelitis of condyle: a case report with literature review

Background

A tooth is said to be ectopic if it is malpositioned either due to congenital factors or displaced due to pathological lesions. The incidence of osteomyelitis of condyle has a rare occurrence, very few cases have been reported, either their etiology is unknown or is due to hematogenous spread or a tuberculous focus. This particular case may be a rare of its kind, as recent literature did not reveal any case where an ectopic mandibular third molar led to osteomyelitis of the condyle.

Case report

This report presents a unique case where an ectopically placed mandibular third molar led to extraoral sinus and scar formation below the ear lobule with osteomyelitis of the mandibular condyle and proposes various indications for its removal along with literature review.

Discussion

Ectopic eruption of a tooth into the dental environment is common, whereas ectopic eruption of tooth in other sites is rare. The exact etiology of ectopic eruption of mandibular third molar in condyle is a rare occurrence and to the best of our knowledge, only 14 cases have been reported in the literature. Management of such cases should be meticulously planned after ruling out various local as well as systemic factors as an underlying cause for osteomyelitis and on the basis of the position and type of ectopic tooth and related potential trauma which could be caused by surgical intervention with less morbidity.

Conclusion

This particular case may be the unique of its kind, as recent literature did not reveal any case where an ectopic mandibular third molar led to osteomyelitis of the condyle. Diagnosis and management in such cases deserve very special attention to rule out various local and systemic causes which can cause osteomyelitis to affect very unusual site like mandibular condyle. The aim of surgical intervention should be to cause minimum morbidity without affecting the functional efficiency of the mandibular condyle. In this report, we also have proposed the indications for surgical intervention to remove ectopically erupted teeth.     

Spatial deviations of the temporomandibular joint after oncological mandibular reconstruction

Spatial deviations of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) after oncological mandibular reconstruction are important to the aesthetic and functional rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to clarify whether and how three dimensionally (3D) printed patient-specific surgical plates, and the preservation of the condyle or ramus, affect spatial deviations of the TMJ. A total of 33 patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction via computer-assisted surgery were included. Regarding absolute deviations, patients in the 3D-printed plate group showed smaller TMJ deviations compared to those in the conventional plate group. There was no difference in absolute deviations of the TMJ regardless of whether the condyle or ramus was preserved. Regarding physiological deviations, the impact on the contralateral TMJ was smaller in the 3D-printed plate group. Patients with both the condyle and ramus removed had significantly higher deviations of the condyle and joint space. In summary, 3D-printed patient-specific surgical plates improved the spatial accuracy of the TMJ. Under physiological conditions, TMJ deviations on the operated side were mainly affected by the preservation of the condyle. Removal of both the condyle and ramus caused more severe spatial interference to the TMJ; this should be further confirmed.     

Osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle: literature review and report of a case

AIM: The intent of this report is to present a brief review of the literature on osteochondroma and to present a case involving the surgical removal and replacement of a major portion of the condyle and angle of the mandible using free autogenous mandibular bone. BACKGROUND: While osteochondroma is the most common tumor of skeletal bones, it is relatively uncommon in the jaws occurring at the condyle or the tip of the coronoid process. This benign cartilage-capped growth is usually discovered incidentally on radiographic examination or on palpation of a protruding mass in the affected area. Malocclusion and progressive facial asymmetry are common findings in most cases of condylar osteochondroma. REPORT: A case of a 29-year-old woman with an osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle is presented. Surgical treatment was tumor resection, grafting, and reshaping of the mandibular angle and ramus. As this lesion is usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on radiographic examination, the general practitioner usually is the first professional to make the diagnosis. SUMMARY: Condylectomy cannot be recommended as routine in all cases.37 Common surgical treatments include condylectomy and reconstruction.24 If the tumor involves only a limited area of the condylar surface, then preservation of the remaining portion of the condyle and reshaping should be done. Reasons for not taking such a conservative approach are the possibilities of malignancy and the risk of recurrence. In this case report the extraoral vertical ramus osteotomy, associated with free autogenous mandibular bone, presented several advantages.     

Use of conservative condylectomy for treatment of osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to present a conservative condylectomy technique (condylectomy performed below the condylar head but high in the condylar neck) and articular disc repositioning as the surgical treatment approach for management of osteochondroma of the head of the mandibular condyle. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six patients (4 females and 2 males) with an average age of 22.3 years (range, 13 to 32 years) and with an osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle were treated with conservative condylectomy. The remaining condylar neck stump was recontoured, and the articular disc was repositioned and stabilized over the "new" condyle. Any indicated orthognathic surgical procedures were then performed to optimize occlusion, function, and aesthetics. Clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed before surgery (T1), immediately after surgery (T2), and at the longest follow-up (T3). RESULTS: Average follow-up for the patients was 51 months (range, 22 to 108 months). No recurrence of the tumor was encountered in any of the cases. Subjective and objective evaluations of postsurgical temporomandibular joint function and range of mandibular motion were normal. Associated maxillary and/or mandibular orthognathic procedures were found to be stable in the long term. CONCLUSION: Conservative condylectomy with recontouring of the residual condylar neck to function as a condyle and repositioning of the articular disc is a viable option for treatment of osteochondromas of the mandibular condyle. The use of this method of treatment permits effective removal of the tumor and eliminates the need for autogenous grafts or total joint prostheses for temporomandibular joint reconstruction.     

Tissue-engineered neogenesis of human-shaped mandibular condyle from rat mesenchymal stem cells

The temporomandibular joint is susceptible to diseases and trauma that may ultimately lead to structural degeneration. Current approaches for replacing degenerated mandibular condyles suffer from deficiencies such as donor site morbidity, immunorejection, implant wear and tear, and pathogen transmission. The hypothesis of this study was that a human-shaped mandibular condyle can be tissue-engineered from rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) encapsulated in a biocompatible polymer. Rat bone marrow MSCs were isolated and induced to differentiate into chondrogenic and osteogenic cells in vitro, and encapsulated in poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogel in two stratified layers molded into the shape of a cadaver human mandibular condyle. Eight weeks following in vivo implantation of the bilayered osteochondral constructs in the dorsum of immunodeficient mice, mandibular condyles formed de novo. Microscopic evaluation of the tissue-engineered mandibular condyle demonstrated two stratified layers of histogenesis of cartilaginous and osseous phenotypes. The current approach is being refined for ultimate therapeutic applications.     

Interpretation of mandibular condyle fractures using 2D- and 3D-computed tomography

Computed tomography (CT) has been increasingly used in the examination of patients with craniofacial trauma. This technique is useful in the examination of the temporomandibular joint and allows the diagnosis of fractures of the mandibular condyle. Aiming to verify whether the three-dimensional reconstructed images from CT (3D-CT) produce more effective visual information than the two-dimensional (2D-CT) ones, we evaluated 2D-CT and 3D-CT examinations of 18 patients with mandibular condyle fractures. We observed that 2D-CT and 3D-CT reconstructed images produced similar information for the diagnosis of fractures of the mandibular condyle, although the 3D-CT allowed a better visualization of the position and displacement of bone fragments, as well as the comminution of fractures. These results, together with the possibility of refining and manipulating perspectives in 3D images, reinforce the importance of its use in the surgical planning and evaluation of treatment. We concluded that 3D-CT presented supplementary information for a more effective diagnosis of mandibular condyle fractures.     

Bilateral bifid mandibular condyle: case report and literature review

Bifid mandibular condyle is an infrequent and normally asymptomatic morphological alteration of the mandibular condyle. Although the underlying cause is not clear, a number of theories have been proposed, including teratogenic effects in the embryo, vascular alterations during condyle development, and condylar remodeling following fracture. Since Schier first described this anomaly in 1948 in live individuals, further cases have been documented in the literature. We present a new case of bilateral bifid condyle. The disorder was asymptomatic and constituted a casual finding in a young male presenting for the surgical extraction of two impacted molars.