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Osteochondromas of the mandibular condyle: variance in radiographic appearance on panoramic radiographs

Department of Oral Radiology, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Engineering, Ministry of Education, West China College of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China

*Correspondence to: Professor Hu Wang, MD, Department of Oral Radiology, West China College of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R.China; E-mail: wanghu200108{at}163.com

Received 10 November 2006; revised 27 January 2007; accepted 8 March 2007

Objectives: Osteochondromas are frequently found in the general skeleton, but are rare in the mandibular condyle. Radiographically, most reports describe osteochondromas as a mushroom-shaped bony enlargement capped with cartilage on the condylar surface. However, the radiographic appearance of this lesion on the panoramic radiograph has rarely been studied. The purpose of this article is to increase the radiographic knowledge of mandibular condylar osteochondroma and facilitate making an exact diagnosis through observing the lesional appearance on panoramic radiograph.

Methods: The panoramic radiographs of 12 cases of mandibular condylar osteochondromas were reviewed. All cases were obtained from the Department of Oral Radiology, West China College of Stomatology, Sichuan University, between 1988 and 2006. The final diagnoses of all cases were based on pathology.

Results: Osteochondromas may arise on different areas around the mandibular condyle and present diverse appearances on panoramic radiograph.

Conclusions: The mandibular condylar osteochondromas may show different growth positions encircling the condyle and exhibit varying shapes on panoramic radiograph. These features will help us to increase cognition of the lesion and make an exact diagnosis.

Keywords: osteochondroma; mandibular condyle; panoramic radiograph