[Conservative surgery for a mandibular condyle osteochondroma].

INTRODUCTION

Osteochondroma is a rare benign bone tumor of the mandibular condyle (90 cases reported). The symptoms are similar to those of temporomandibular joint disorders: painful temporomandibular joint, joint sounds, and modification of dental occlusion.

CASE REPORT: A 37-year-old female patient consulted for a wide left laterodeviation of the mandible. CT scan revealed a 27 mm long bony growth on the condyle. The condyle neck was osteotomized, then the tumor and condyle head were split, the condyle was then remodeled and osteosynthesized on the condyle neck. The functional and esthetic results were satisfactory at 12 months without any recurrence or relapse.

DISCUSSION: The authors present a novel conservative technique, slightly different from those reported in the literature. There are several therapeutic alternatives. They can be classified in three groups: invasive, non-invasive, and conservative techniques. Nevertheless, osteochondroma is a benign tumor and its management should be as little invasive as possible.