Osteocartilaginous Exostosis of the Mandibular Condyle

Osteochondroma of the mandibular condyle is extremely rare. An unusual case of a 32-year-old man is reported. Throughout a two-year period the patient suffered from intractable pain in the left T. M. J. region, anterior dislocation of the condylar head, malocclusion and facial asymmetry. Radiologic examination revealed that the cartilaginous cap of an overgrowth had functioned as an articular cartilage. A "pseudo articulation" was created with the prominent articular eminence and allowed an almost free movement of the mandible. Review of the seven reported cases revealed that the rare occurrence, natural history, clinical course and lack of recurrence of osteochondroma of the condylar process all substantiate the contention that this overgrowth must be considered as an osteocartilaginous exostosis rather than a neoplasm.