Superolateral Dislocation of the Mandibular Condyle: A Series of Seven Cases

Anterior and anteromedial dislocations of the mandibular condyle are seen frequently in mandibular fractures. Less frequent are dislocations of the condylar head in the lateral, medial and posterior direction whereas superior dislocation into the middle cranial fossa is rare. We report a series of seven cases encountered over the years, which, incidentally, is the largest case series reported till date with lateral and superolateral dislocation of the condyle after a traumatic injury.

In all cases but one, the condyle was reduced by manual manipulation with the patient in general anaesthesia. In all cases but one there was simultaneous fracture in the mandibular symphyseal region. The associated fractures were reduced and fixed with bone plates and screws.

Patients were generally free from any long term complications of injury or surgery except for facial nerve paresis of a transient nature in one case.

To our knowledge, this clinical series presents the first reported case of superolateral dislocation which required open reduction. The etiology and mechanism of dislocation has been discussed along with a brief review of the literature.