Review of Osteochondroma of Mandibular Condyle and Report of a Case Series

Abstract

To present a retrospective analysis of 10 cases of osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle (operated between 1993 and 2009) with respect to age, gender, site of the pathology, treatment modality and recurrence, with review of literature. Medical records with x-rays, computed tomography scans, and bone scans of all histologically proven osteochondroma of mandibular condyle cases operated between 1993 and 2009 were retrieved and examined. The data were tabulated and analyzed. There were 8 males and 2 females, with a right:left ratio of 2.3:1. Age range was 18 to 45 years with a mean of 29.4 years. Seven of 10 were superomedial in location. Six patients were treated by conservative condylectomy, whereas 4 required total condylectomy. In all cases, a preauricular with extended temporal approach was used. In the follow-up period ranging from 1 year to 13 years, there was no recurrence. Mandibular condylar osteochondroma is thought to be a relatively rare lesion with only 90 cases documented in the English language literature to date. Gradual facial asymmetry over the years is the most striking feature. Two types are identified: those causing growth potential in mandible causing bowing of ipsilateral body and requiring gnathic correction after excision of tumor, and others growing as tumors superior or superomedial to condyle without causing much growth in the mandible, requiring only excision and automatic swing back to correct asymmetry. Both the procedures---conservative condylectomy and the total condylectomy---are curative. The decision, however, depends on how much swing of mandible is required postsurgery for correction of asymmetry and occlusion.