[Dislocation of mandibular condyle into middle cranial fossa].

A case of dislocation of the mandibular condyle into the middle cranial fossa is presented. The patient was a 8-year-old girl. Immediate conservative reposition was performed successfully with an intermaxillary fixation for two weeks. Two years after the accident her dental occlusion had remained stable, although there was a slight limitation in opening. Based on the present case and previous case reports it is concluded that early diagnosis and treatment is important. Manual reduction and fixation should be the first choice of treatment. The risk of intracranial complications necessitates a close cooperation with a neurosurgeon. Follow-up studies have revealed that most of the patients develop laterognatism and/or limited movements of the mandible.