Case Report: Osteochondroma of the mandible

Osteochondroma is an osseous protuberance with cartilaginous growth potential that usually forms at the ends of long bones such as knee, hip, shoulder and joints(1). Osteochondromas are one of the most common benign tumours of bone, approximately 35% to 50% of all benign tumors and 8% to 15% of all primary bone tumors (2). Only about 1% of these occur within the head and neck region (1). The most common sites of occurrence is coronoid process of the mandible and the mandibular condyle(3-5). Trauma and inflammation have been implicated as predisposing factors (6 ,7). Clinical Feather  of condylar osteochondroma include facial asymmetry ,vertical elongation of the face on the affected side, malocclusion with cross-bite on the contralateral side and lateral open bite on the affected side, TMJ dysfunction symptoms such as pain Which may resemble those seen in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD)(2-8). Differential diagnosis of slow-growing tumors of the mandibular condyle include giant cell tumor, condylar hyperplasia, vascular malformation, osteoma and chondroma (9,10). these lesions are radiopaque and are easily identified on computed tomography (CT)(11). Pre operative computed tomography scans (CT) are essential in the treatment planning of these tumours(12). Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a good alternative modality  for evaluation of mandibular condyle.in comparison to CT scans, CBCT provides geometrically accurate images and excellent spatial resolution with lower dose(13).  These condylar tumors have been variably treated. Partial or total condylectomy, vertical ramus osteotomy and adjuvant orthognathic surgery are possible modes of treatment depending on cosmetic defect. Reconstruction plan depends on the case to case situation and can be performed by upward placement of sagittally or vertically splited ramus, locally available bone graft with attached medial pterygoid muscle, costochondral graft or a custom-made titanium plate(14). The aim of this case report is to describe clinical, radiographic features, differential diagnosis, histopathologic feater and treatment of condylar osteochondroma.