Antero-medially displaced condylar head leading to pseudoankylosis: A case report

Ankylosis is one of the most disruptive maladies affecting the masticatory system with trauma being the most common cause. Pseudoankylosis though uncommon can cause functional and psychological discomforts for the patient. Described here is operative management of a case of posttraumatic pseudoankylosis in a 27-year-old female, having fractured condylar head dislocated anteriorly and medially, with eventual fusion to sigmoid region. Retromandibular approach for condylar fracture has been advocated by many authors to be advantageous over other approaches given that they cause good cosmetic results, lower risk of facial nerve injury, reduced operation time. The question still remains whether open reduction internal fixation or removal of the condylar head should be favored for restricted mouth opening after closed reduction.