Anatomical relationships and superior reinforcement of the TMJ mandibular fossa.

Only a few cases of condylar penetration into the middle cranial fossa have been documented in the literature. This study attempts to provide an anatomical explanation for this rare phenomenon. Mandibular (glenoid) fossa position in relation to important endocranial and exocranial structures located in close proximity to the TMJ, and relative condyle-fossa size, were evaluated on a dry skull sample. Additional osseous relationships were observed on cadaver material using dissection and x-ray. The anatomic relationships of the mandibular fossa and superior structures that appear to buttress it are described. It is concluded that the temporal squama that lies superior to the mandibular fossa provides a powerful buffer, which prevents condylar endocranial penetration in cases of an appropriate traumatologic mechanism.