Clinical characteristics and treatment of superolateral dislocation of the mandibular condyle

The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of superolateral dislocation of the mandibular condyle, and to review our experience of its treatment. Thirteen patients were included in this study. Demographic information and details of their original injury were analyzed by descriptive statistics and the treatment methods were summarized. These patients could be classified into three types: (1) unilateral dislocation with isolated condylar fracture (n = 3); (2) unilateral dislocation with associated condylar fracture and other mandibular fracture (n = 7); (3) bilateral dislocation with associated condylar fracture and other mandibular fracture (n = 3). Treatment involved three main aspects: (1) relief of the condylar dislocation by manual manipulation or open reduction; (2) reduction of the medial condylar fragment and fixation with screws, or removal of the fragment if less than 50% of the condylar width; however, in one case with a tiny condylar fragment, this was left in situ; (3) management of the other associated mandibular fractures by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Follow-up ranged from 6 to 20 months (average 13.69 months). Satisfactory functional outcomes were achieved in these cases. The results of this study indicate that superolateral dislocation of the condyle assumes many forms, and the treatment depends on the presence of fractures.