Unilateral bifid condyle: a case report

In the present case report, a patient attended the Surgical Clinic of PUC-MG for extraction of third molars. When performing the panoramic radiography, an atypical shaping of the mandibular condyle was detected. For the correct diagnosis, a cone-beam computed tomography was requested. The axial, sagittal, and coronal tomographic sections clearly showed the structure and its position in relation to the skull. The exam showed unilateral hyperdense masses on the left, in the form of mediolaterally oriented secondary condylar heads. Although they were adjacent to the condylar head, a constriction between them was observed in the superior condylar pole region. This image analysis, associated with the absence of functional changes and symptomatology, was decisive for the diagnosis of a bifid condyle, as it allowed to exclude any pathological alteration. As its etiology is diverse, this type of anatomical variation is usually found in routine imaging exams, as in the present study. The bifid condyle can be considered a differential diagnosis of condylar hyperplasia, osteochondromas, or alterations related to temporomandibular dysfunction in two-dimensional radiographic exams.

Temporomandibular joint alterations: two clinical case-reports of bifid condyle and temporomandibular joint ankylosis

ABSTRACT The etiology of alterations of the temporomandibular joint, such as ankylosis and bifid condyle, comprises several causes including trauma. However, otological infections cannot be overlooked as a probable cause of alterations of the temporomandibular joint, because the proximity between the external auditory canal and the temporomandibular joint facilitates the spread of infection in the region. This article presents a case-report of a patient with bifid condyle of the temporomandibular joint, in which the patient had no history of facial trauma, but had suffered recurrent otitis infections during her childhood. In parallel, a second case-report is described of temporomandibular joint ankylosis in a 12-year-old patient with a history of facial trauma during her childhood. The purpose of this study was to highlight and emphasize the importance of early diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorders to avoid the development of facial asymmetries, restore function, esthetics, and the psychological state of the patient.