Osteochondroma of the condyle: case report with 15 years of follow-up

Osteochondromas (OC) in the craniofacial region are very rare. Following on from a literature review published in 2011, further single case reports and case series are reviewed herein. To date, approximately 235 studies on OC of the mandibular condyle have been published in the English language literature. There is debate regarding the surgical techniques for treatment. Whereas the use of condylectomy has shown no recurrences, follow-up of conservative excision of the tumour has shown recurrence in three cases. One of these relates to the case presented here, which was first reported in 2002. The patient has declined any further surgery since that date. The tumour has shown no further growth and there is no functional impairment. This underlines Cottrell's claim that excision of the entire cartilage cap appears to stop the growth of the tumour and represents the most important focus of surgical treatment.