A 19-year-old female patient presented at the Emergency Department due to cranioencephalic trauma with nausea, vomiting and facial pain. No loss of consciousness was reported.
In order to conduct a more detailed evaluation, a non-contrast CT was performed revealing bilateral subcondylar fracture of the mandible with medial dislocation of both condyles (Fig. 1, 2).
Pneumatisation of the temporal bone petrous apices as an anatomical variant was noticed.
No intraaxial or extra-axial haemorrhages were observed. No expansive lesions suggestive of malignancy were noticed.
Many classifications of mandibular fractures have been reported in the literature in order to label them according to anatomical location, type, involvement of dentition, displacement and favourability of treatment.
Lindah and Hollender classified mandibular condyle fracture according to anatomical location (condylar head, condylar neck and subcondylar region or extracapsular fracture) and conforming to the degree of fracture fragment displacement (non-displacement, deviation, displacement, deviation-dislocation, displacement-dislocation, lateral override or medial override) [1].
As in our case, when displacement and/or dislocation is present, it is typically medial due to the action of the lateral pterigoid muscle [2].
In the AO-analogue classification of mandibular fractures, subcondylar fracture with luxation belongs to group 1, subunit 3 of the vertical unit [3].
Subcondylar fractures have been historically treated with closed reduction in order to avoid some complications such as facial nerve damage, scarring and non-anatomical reduction. However, nowadays the endoscopic-assisted reduction with internal fixation is becoming increasingly popular among maxillofacial surgeons due to the minimal invasion and lower complications rate [4].
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Bilateral subcondylar fracture with medial dislocation
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Based on the provided coronal and axial CT images, there is a visible discontinuity of the bone structure in the left mandibular condylar region (suspected condylar neck/subcondylar area). A clear local fracture line is present, accompanied by medial displacement of the condyle, indicating a fracture in the left mandibular condylar region with some degree of displacement/subluxation. Compared with the opposite side, the left condyle shows abnormal positioning, namely a typical medial displacement, consistent with the pulling effect of the lateral pterygoid muscle. No obvious intracranial hemorrhage or other evident maxillofacial fractures are observed on the images (though further evaluation is recommended due to imaging range and slice thickness limitations).
Combining the patient’s trauma history, clinical symptoms, and CT imaging findings, the most likely final diagnosis is: Left Subcondylar Fracture of the Mandible (with Medial Displacement or Subluxation of the Condyle).
Once the fracture alignment is basically stable, gradual rehabilitation can be started. The main goal is to restore normal chewing function and mandibular joint mobility. The following plan is recommended:
For patients with osteoporosis or other systemic conditions, additional protection measures should be taken during rehabilitation. The rehabilitation period may be extended, and bone healing should be closely monitored. If severe pain, joint clicking, or locking occurs, seek medical attention promptly for re-evaluation.
This report is based on available imaging and medical history for reference only and cannot replace an in-person consultation or professional medical advice. The specific treatment plan should be decided by the attending physician according to the patient’s actual situation. If you have any doubts or your symptoms worsen, please seek medical attention promptly.
Bilateral subcondylar fracture with medial dislocation