The condylar process is the posterior projection of the mandibular ramus, consisting of a head and neck. The elliptical head articulates with the articular disc and fossa of the temporal bone at the temporomandibular joint. The medial pole of the head projects further medially than the lateral pole, so the long axis of each condyle is angled posterolaterally and the axes of the two condyles converge anteriorly at approximately 150 degrees.
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| Landmarks |
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| Ossification | The condyle develops from secondary condylar cartilage that appears at about the twelfth fetal week and acts as a growth site for mandibular height and length until the late teens. |
The condylar neck is the weakest part of the mandible and the most common site of mandibular fracture, particularly from an indirect blow to the chin that transmits force bilaterally to the condylar necks. Condylar fractures range from subcondylar to intracapsular, each requiring different management from closed treatment to open reduction. Condylar resorption in the TMJ produces progressive Class II malocclusion and loss of posterior facial height in young women. Condylar hyperplasia causes hemifacial asymmetry requiring condylar shave or condylectomy.
Place a fingertip just in front of the tragus of the ear and ask the person to open and close the mouth slowly. The rounded head of the mandibular condyle glides forward under your finger on opening, leaving a small dip behind it, and returns on closing. Clicking, deviation or tenderness here are signs of temporomandibular joint problems.
The most common mandibular fracture site from indirect force transmission, producing trismus, deviation to the fractured side, and anterior open bite; managed conservatively with soft diet and physiotherapy for minimally displaced fractures or operatively with ORIF for significantly displaced or bilateral fractures.
Progressive idiopathic resorption of the condylar head, occurring predominantly in young females, produces Class II malocclusion, anterior open bite, and TMJ pain, managed with occlusal splinting and, when stable, corrective jaw surgery.
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