Rare case of superolateral dislocation of the condyle

Background

Dislocation of the mandibular condyle occurs most commonly in the anterior direction. When there is an intracranial displacement of the condyle, it is often associated with CSF leak. Superolateral dislocation of the condyle from the glenoid fossa is a rare condition which commonly occurs following traumatic insult to the mandible. When there is a superlolateral displacement, the condyle is often lodged in the temporal fossa.

Case report

We report an unusual case of a 50-year-old male with a superolateral dislocation of the left mandibular condyle into the zygomatic arch along with a fracture of the right mandible following road traffic accident. Manual reduction of the condyle was first attempted under general anaesthesia which was futile, following which the displaced condyle was reduced by a combination of open traction and manual reduction using Keen’s approach in left maxillary vestibule. After reduction of the condyle, intermaxillary fixation (IMF) was done and X plate was used to fix the mandible fracture on the right body. Postoperatively, patient was placed on IMF for a period of 2 weeks.

Discussion

Superolateral dislocations of the condyle can be unilateral or bilateral. These types of dislocations generally occur following traumatic injury to the mandible when the mouth is open. Early diagnosis and reduction of the condyle is required to achieve satisfactory occlusion which should be followed by physiotherapy to prevent ankylosis.