Aseptic osteomyelitis and necrosis of the mandibular condylar head after intracapsular fracture.

Aseptic osteomyelitis and necrosis of the mandibular condylar head is a rare complication which may occur several months after an untreated intracapsular fracture. Clinical symptoms are pain in the temporomandibular joint on the affected side and limitation of opening of the mouth. Radiographically, the condylar head is characteristically eroded and irregular. Treatment consists of surgical removal of the necrotic condylar head and débridement of the area, which are performed via a preauricular approach.