MANAGEMENT OF MANDIBULAR CONDYLE PENETRATION INTO THE MIDDLE CRANIAL FOSSA - CASE-REPORT

Dislocation of the mandibular condyle into the middle cranial fossa is a rare occurrence. Severe trauma to the mandible that is transmitted to the symphysis, body, or angle typically results in fracture ipsilateral or contralateral to the site of impact or in fracture of one or both condylar necks rather than impaction through the glenoid fossa into the middle cranial cavity. A case of unilateral condylar dislocation into the middle cranial fossa after blunt trauma to the symphysis in an adult is reported. Emphasis is placed on the method of management of the bony and soft tissue injuries, with particular reference to disc displacement and its repair. © 1994.