Features and management of intracranial mandibular condyle dislocation after trauma

Superior Dislocation of the Mandibular Condyle into the Middle Cranial Fossa: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

The superior dislocation of the condyle into the cranium occasionally requires invasive procedures due to the absence of a timely diagnosis. This review analyzed the available clinical data to provide information on treatment decisions. The reports were assessed using electronic medical databases from inception to 31 October 2022. A total of 116 cases from 104 studies were assessed; among the patients, 60% and 87.5% of the affected women and men required open reduction, respectively. The ratio of closed to open procedures within 7 days after injury was maintained; however, closed reduction decreased over time, and all cases required open reduction after 22 days. Eighty percent of the patients with a total intrusion of the condyle required open reduction, whereas the frequency for both procedures was comparable in the remaining patients. Open reduction was significantly more frequently performed for men (p = 0.026, odds ratio; 4.959, 95% confidence interval; 1.208-20.365) and less frequently performed in cases with partial intrusion (p = 0.011; odds ratio: 0.186; 95% confidence interval: 0.051-0.684); the frequency varied according to the time until treatment (p = 0.027, odds ratio; 1.124, 95% confidence interval; 1.013-1.246). Appropriate diagnostic imaging and prompt diagnosis are indispensable for minimally invasive treatment of this condition.

Temporomandibular joint ankylosis after condylar dislocation into the middle cranial fossa: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Dislocation of the mandibular condyle into the middle cranial fossa after a trauma is a rare event. The lack of appropriate treatment can lead to ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). We report about a case of TMJ ankylosis following intracranial dislocation of the mandibular condyle through the roof of the articular fossa.

CASE REPORT

A 9-year-old patient was referred for a severe limitation of mouth opening that began progressively one year before. A history of chin injury due to an accidental fall was found. Preoperative CT scan showed a TMJ ankylosis on the right side combined with a dislocation of the mandibular condyle into the middle cranial fossa. Treatment consisted in an intracranial resection of the mandibular condyle, partial removal of the ankylosis block and TMJ arthroplasty.

DISCUSSION

Our case is the second case of TMJ ankylosis following intracranial dislocation of the mandibular condyle and treated with arthroplasty alone published in the English literature. There is no consensus regarding the pathophysiology of TMJ ankylosis and regarding the attitude towards the ankylosis block. In our case, no recurrence was noticed after a one-year follow-up. An interdisciplinary approach is needed, including maxillofacial surgeon, neurosurgeon, physiotherapist and orthodontist.

A Case of Glenoid Fossa Fracture, Progressive Ankylosis, Total Joint Reconstruction with Alloplastic Prosthesis to Normalized Function Including Evaluation with F18-PET/CT-a Four Year Follow-up

Temporomandibular joint replacement (TJR) with alloplastic prosthesis has shown promising long-term results in end stage joint disorders. We present a case of young woman with painful ankylosis that where reconstructed with TJR, due to a complex mandibular fracture with dislocation of the left condyle into the middle cranial fossa two years earlier. At the age of 18 the subject underwent a total joint replacement with custom-made alloplastic TMJ prosthesis. To determine the bone response and remodeling activity around the prosthesis, a F18 PET/CT-scan was used. No sign of increased remodeling or pathology were seen in the imaging after the reconstruction. Four years postoperatively the subject reports no pain and excellent jaw function.