Intracranial dislocation of the mandibular condyle: report of two cases and review of the literature

Fractures of the mandibular condylar process are common and account for up to 40% of all mandibular fractures. Penetration of the condylar head into the middle cranial fossa is, however, rare. We have found reports of only 43 cases since 1834. The diagnosis of intracranial condylar dislocation is difficult, there are usually no particular symptoms or neurological signs. As a result, detailed radiological studies are necessary. In the absence of clear radiographic images of the condylar structures, computed tomography (CT) is essential to locate the fragments and to investigate and monitor intracranial lesions. This paper describes the diagnostic and surgical procedures used in two cases of condylar dislocation and discusses them with reference to previous cases. The use of a titanium screw, which was positioned intracranially in the first case, has not, to our knowledge, been described previously. (C) 2002 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.