Mandibular condyle dislocation into the middle cranial fossa

A case is reported of a woman aged 25 with a dislocation of the right mandibular condyle into the middle cranial fossa. The most striking clinical feature is a strongly limited mandibular movement and the fixation of the mandible in the dislocated position. Adequate radiographic examination including tomography is necessary to obtain the proper diagnosis and to determine the position of the condyle and the displaced bony fragments of the cranial base. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important for a successful reposition. In the described patient manual reposition of the dislocated condyle was obtained 2 days after trauma. The risk of intracranial complications makes close cooperation with a neurosurgeon necessary.