A 24-year-old man struck his chin on the ground. On opening his mouth his chin deviates to the left, and there is premature contact of the left molar teeth with an open bite on the right. The most likely diagnosis is:
- A Right condylar fracture
- B Left condylar fracture ✓
- C Left angulus fracture
- D Symphyseal fracture
Correct answer: B. Left condylar fracture
Explanation
In unilateral condylar fracture, loss of ramus height on the injured side makes the ipsilateral molars meet prematurely, while the intact contralateral pterygoid pulls the jaw so the chin deviates towards the fractured side on opening. B right condylar fracture would deviate the chin to the right. Angle and symphysis fractures produce malocclusion but not this combination of deviation plus ipsilateral molar prematurity.
Reference: Peterson's Principles of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 3rd ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.