Subarticular, cystlike lesion associated with avascular necrosis of the mandibular condyle: a case report

Little is known about avascular necrosis of the mandibular condyle, which is necrosis of the epiphyseal or subarticular bone secondary to a diminished or disrupted blood supply in the absence of infection. We present a case of a large subarticular cystlike lesion that was found using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). There was an absence of osteoarthrosis, and the condylar articular surface was relatively intact. The patient's history, physical examination, and magnetic resonance images supported the diagnosis of avascular necrosis of the mandibular condyle. After 4 months of conservative therapy, new bone was observed in the cystlike marrow lesion, and a smooth articular surface was reestablished. Subarticular cystlike lesions without the collapse of the articular surface of mandibular condyles may be an early indicator of avascular necrosis.