Superolateral Dislocation of the Mandibular Condyle: Report of a Case with Review of Literature and a Proposed Modification in the Classification

Abstract

Anteromedial fracture dislocation of the mandibular condyle is common but a superolateral dislocation of an intact condyle is quite rare. Only ∼19 cases of such dislocation have been reported in the world English literature. This type of dislocation is often misdiagnosed or completely overlooked and hence inadequately addressed. A case of superolateral dislocation of the condyle associated with a symphyseal fracture is presented. We discuss the dynamics, diagnostic features and clinical management of such dislocations with the review of literature and propose a modification in the existing classification.