Treatment of traumatic dislocation of the mandibular condyle into the cranial fossa: development of a probable treatment algorithm

Superior Dislocation of the Mandibular Condyle into the Middle Cranial Fossa: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

The superior dislocation of the condyle into the cranium occasionally requires invasive procedures due to the absence of a timely diagnosis. This review analyzed the available clinical data to provide information on treatment decisions. The reports were assessed using electronic medical databases from inception to 31 October 2022. A total of 116 cases from 104 studies were assessed; among the patients, 60% and 87.5% of the affected women and men required open reduction, respectively. The ratio of closed to open procedures within 7 days after injury was maintained; however, closed reduction decreased over time, and all cases required open reduction after 22 days. Eighty percent of the patients with a total intrusion of the condyle required open reduction, whereas the frequency for both procedures was comparable in the remaining patients. Open reduction was significantly more frequently performed for men (p = 0.026, odds ratio; 4.959, 95% confidence interval; 1.208-20.365) and less frequently performed in cases with partial intrusion (p = 0.011; odds ratio: 0.186; 95% confidence interval: 0.051-0.684); the frequency varied according to the time until treatment (p = 0.027, odds ratio; 1.124, 95% confidence interval; 1.013-1.246). Appropriate diagnostic imaging and prompt diagnosis are indispensable for minimally invasive treatment of this condition.

Dislocation of the mandibular condyle into the middle cranial fossa. A case of temporomandibular joint arthroplasty with resorbable fixation system and temporalis myofascial flap: systematic review and meta-analysis

The aims of the present study were to comprehensively assess all the published cases on dislocation of the mandibular condyle into the middle cranial fossa (DMCCF) in the literature in English and describe the clinical, imaging, and therapeutic variables for this condition. An electronic search was undertaken in March 2020 using PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Springer, and Scopus databases. Eligibility criteria included publications with sufficient information to confirm the diagnosis. In addition, we have presented the case report of a 13-year-old boy with DMCCF, who was treated with craniectomy, arthroplasty, and reconstruction with a resorbable osteosynthesis material obtaining favourable and functional results. A total of 72 cases reported in English, including ours, were analysed and discussed. Most of the patients were female (n= 49) with a mean (range) age of 23.4 (5-72) years, the most affected condyle was the right (n= 42), the main aetiology was a motor vehicle accident, and half of the patients had intracranial lesions. Open treatment was performed in the majority with condylar surgery that included condylotomy and condylectomy. Temporomandibular joint arthroplasty was performed with bone, osteosynthesis material, and flap rotation. Timely treatment before four weeks was performed in most of the cases and, despite this, the persistence of the deviation was observed in more than a third of cases, with functional and neurosensorial sequelae. The present study allows an update of the characteristics of DMCCF and gives a current vision of how to manage this rare and complex fracture.

Traumatic Anterosuperior Dislocation of the Intact Mandibular Condyle into the Temporal Fossa

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dislocation, or luxation, occurs when the condyle crosses the articular eminence in such a way that it does not return to its correct anatomical position, unless aided by a reduction in external forces for TMJ. The diagnosis of condylar luxation is clinical; however, image exams are important in classifying the types of condylar luxation and associated fractures. Displacement of the TMJ can occur due to either an exaggerated mouth opening or a forced opening and occasionally is associated with a high-impact trauma to the jaw, the latter being an extremely rare condition. Few cases of anterosuperior dislocation of the intact mandibular condyles into the temporal fossa (ADIMC) have been documented in medical literature, many of which are associated with craniofacial trauma. This study describes the case of an ADIMC of the left side combined with facial fractures, as well as the treatment performed. A review of cases found in the literature from 1969 to 2017 was conducted through a detailed bibliographical study.

Chronic Skull Base Erosion from Temporomandibular Joint Disease Causes Generalized Seizure and Profound Lactic Acidosis

This report displays a rare presentation of lactic acidosis in the setting of status epilepticus (SE). The differential diagnosis of lactic acidosis is broad and typically originates from states of shock; however, this report highlights an alternative and rare etiology, SE, due to chronic skull base erosion from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disease. Lactic acidosis is defined by a pH below 7.35 in the setting of lactate values greater than 5 mmol/L. Two broad classifications of lactic acidosis exist: a type A lactic acidosis which stems from global or localized tissue hypoxia or a type B lactic acidosis which occurs once mitochondrial oxidative capacity is unable to match glucose metabolism. SE is an example of a type A lactic acidosis in which oxygen delivery is unable to meet increased cellular energy requirements. This report is consistent with a prior case series that consists of five patients experiencing generalized tonic-clonic (GTC) seizures and lactic acidosis. These patients presented with a pH range of 6.8-7.41 and lactate range of 3.8-22.4 mmol/L. Although severe lactic acidosis following GTC has been described, this is the first report in the literature of chronic skull base erosion from TMJ disease causing SE.

A Case of Glenoid Fossa Fracture, Progressive Ankylosis, Total Joint Reconstruction with Alloplastic Prosthesis to Normalized Function Including Evaluation with F18-PET/CT-a Four Year Follow-up

Temporomandibular joint replacement (TJR) with alloplastic prosthesis has shown promising long-term results in end stage joint disorders. We present a case of young woman with painful ankylosis that where reconstructed with TJR, due to a complex mandibular fracture with dislocation of the left condyle into the middle cranial fossa two years earlier. At the age of 18 the subject underwent a total joint replacement with custom-made alloplastic TMJ prosthesis. To determine the bone response and remodeling activity around the prosthesis, a F18 PET/CT-scan was used. No sign of increased remodeling or pathology were seen in the imaging after the reconstruction. Four years postoperatively the subject reports no pain and excellent jaw function.