Intrusion of the mandibular condyle into the middle cranial fossa: report of a case in an 11-year-old girl.

Intrusion of the head of the condyle into the middle cranial fossa is a rare but highly significant result of trauma to the mandible. Various treatment modalities for this type of injury have been reported in the literature. This case report concerns the intrusion of the left mandibular condyle into the middle cranial fossa in an 11-year-old girl. Five days after the original injury, severe limitation of opening was noted, as was a significant overjet and posterior open bite. A CT scan revealed intrusion of the left condyle into the middle cranial fossa. Treatment consisted of closed reduction with intermaxillary fixation. At the 10-month follow-up, full range of motion was possible with only minimal deviation.