From Volume 42, Issue 4, May 2015 | Pages 369-372
An osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle is a rare tumour of the maxillofacial region that could first present to the general dental practitioner. This case report describes an osteochondroma of the posterio-medial mandibular condyle presenting with marked facial asymmetry and trismus over a six-month period. Appropriate referral and investigation enabled successful removal of the tumour, recontouring of the condyle and an uncomplicated, positive outcome for our patient.
Dental and facial appearances have both social and psychological effects on the perception of people's social class, friendliness, popularity and intelligence.1 These factors may explain the increasing demand for adult orthodontic treatment in the UK, and an increasing number of patients presenting to the dental practitioner with dento-facial asymmetry.2 The possible causes of such asymmetry can be subdivided into developmental, pathological, traumatic and functional (Table 1).3
A 32-year-old female presented with a six-month history of increasing dento-facial asymmetry. This was associated with intermittent pain and crepitus of her left temporomandibular joint and limited mouth opening. She found that her symptoms where worse in the morning, and worried that this, coupled with her increasing facial asymmetry, would impact on her career as a performer. There was no history of facial trauma or fractures, and no relevant medical history.
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