Clinical Implications of Temporomandibular Condyle Agenesis in a Toddler

Agenesis of the temporomandibular condyle is a congenital/developmental disorder that can present with the absence of the condyle and an incomplete development of the articular fossa and eminence, resulting in facial asymmetry as well as masticatory dysfunction. The purpose of this report is to present the case of a three-year-old girl with absence of the left temporomandibular condyle. The patient presented with pain and dysfunction in the left masseter muscle, pre-auricular area and ear as well as mild chin deviation to the left. The most common treatment modality is to wait and treat this condition with surgical intervention once the patient is grown. However, oral orthopedic appliances can be considered to promote bone formation prior to surgery. Prompt recognition and early treatment is advisable to take advantage of the child's growth and avoid further facial asymmetry, pain and dysfunction.