Superolateral dislocation of the intact mandibular condyle: report of a rare case with a review

Abstract

Dislocation of the temporomandibular joint, which represents 3% of all dislocated joints reported in the body, occurs when the mandibular condyle is displaced anteriorly beyond the articular eminence. Although anterior dislocation of the mandibular condyle is well documented in the literature, superior, lateral, and posterior dislocation of the condyle is rare. Only a few reports documenting superolateral dislocation with anterior mandible fractures have been published in the past. However such dislocations without any associated fractures are even rarer. This report documents a case of superolateral dislocation of an intact mandible in a 48-year-old woman following a traumatic incident. This paper also reviews previously documented case reports and focuses on the causative mechanism, dynamics, and management of such dislocations.

Keywords: mandibular condyle; superolateral dislocation; temporomandibular joint; trauma.