Osteoma of the mandibular condyle: a rare case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoma is a rare slow-growing benign neoplasm which is often asymptomatic and composed of mature bone. Only 21 cases were previously reported in the mandibular condyle.

OBSERVATION: A 60 year old male presented with gross asymmetry of the lower jaw and reduced function. He mentioned that he was involved in an accident to the head about 16 years ago. Upon examination, it was noticed that the chin deviated to the left with some discomfort during function. Computed tomography revealed a radiopaque mass medial to the left condylar pole. The lesion was gradually increasing in size and in close proximity to the middle cranial fossa. A condylectomy was performed using a pre-auricular approach. A diagnosis of osteoma was confirmed histopathologically. The defect was reconstructed with stock TMJ prostheses.

DISCUSSION: Osteomas affecting the condyle have significant functional implications and should be considered when deviation of the mandible is present.