Bilateral Superolateral Dislocation of Intact Mandibular Condyle with Concomitant Symphysis Fracture: A Case Report

Dislocation of the mandibular condyle of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is defined as a clinical condition in which head of the condyle is displaced out of its functional position within the glenoid fossa and posterior slope of the articular eminence Allen and Young in Br J Oral Surg 7:24-30, (1969). Dislocation of the mandibular condyle most commonly occurs in the anterior or anteromedial direction in both traumatic and non-traumatic origin dislocations. Lateral dislocations are generally rare owing to the thickening of the lateral surface of the articular capsule by the lateral ligament that strengthens the lateral surface of the joint Lovely and Copeland in J Can Dent Assoc 47:179-184, (1981). Trauma-induced dislocation of mandibular condyles is generally associated with a co-existing fracture of the condylar head, neck, or subcondylar region. Dislocation of the intact mandibular condyle in the superolateral direction is rare; if it occurs, it is difficult to reduce by closed reduction method. Present, this is a case report of rare bilateral superolateral dislocation of intact condyle associated with fractured mandibular symphysis region which was successfully managed through an open approach after failed attempts of closed reduction under local anaesthesia and general anaesthesia.