An Atypical Variant of Superolateral Dislocation of the Mandibular Condyle: A Case Report

Dislocation of the mandibular condyle from the glenoid fossa can occur in anterior, posterior, lateral, and superior directions. Posterior, lateral, and superior dislocations are rare. Superolateral dislocation is seldom encountered in clinical practice. It is generally associated with fracture of the anterior or contralateral side of the mandible. The occurrence of superolateral dislocation of the condyle hooked above the zygomatic arch with an associated fracture of the medial pole of the condyle is rare and has been reported only once in the literature. This report describes another case in which the patient had superolateral dislocation of the mandibular condyle with a fractured medial pole without any associated fracture of the anterior or contralateral side of the mandible. The condyle was hooked laterally above the zygomatic arch. Open reduction of the dislocated condyle was performed and a good outcome was obtained.