An unusual anterior dislocation of fractured mandibular condyle leading to psuedo-ankylosis in a 8 yr old child—A distinct case report

• Multidetector CT scan with multiplanar reformation & three dimensional images have become a standard part of assessment of such complex facial injuries.
• Although condylar fractures are common in both developed and developing countries, cases of post-traumatic TM joint ankylosis are few in developed countries compared to developing countries due to poor socio economic status, malnutrition and lack of adequate medical care.
• This case report suggests that unusual dislocations of mandibular condyle do occur in children, which require careful planning and treatment.

IntroductionLiterature reviews are replete with discussions focusing on the incidence, types, and patterns of disruption in TM joint function, besides enumerating and classifying its causes. However, atypical situations do present, such situations warranting a detailed, methodical assessment before therapeutic institution.Presentation of caseDescribed here is management of a unique case of post-traumatic pseudo-ankylosis in a 8 year old child that had an old fractured condyle, displaced and dislocated anteriorly into the sigmoid notch, with eventual fusion to the ipsilateral zygomatic arch on its medial side.DiscussionAlthough conventional imaging tools still have relevance, but the significance of multi detector CT scan with multiplanar reformation and three dimensional images have a become unequivocally a standard part of assessment of such complex facial injuries regardless of therapeutic setting. The probable explanation for the condylar fracture and unusual anterior dislocation of the condylar segment is also hypothesized.ConclusionAlthough Post traumatic ankylosis is common in developing countries like India, distinct cases do present rarely which requires a disciplined approach in the management of such cases.