J Korean Dent Sci.  2024 Sep;17(3):138-144. 10.5856/JKDS.2024.17.3.138.

Mandibular Ramus Osteochondroma-A Rare Cause of Chronic Mouth Opening Limitation: A Case Report

• Song CW
• Kim HK

• KMID: 2560132
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5856/JKDS.2024.17.3.138

Abstract

Osteochondroma, the most common benign bone tumor, rarely occurs in the craniofacial region. This case report presents a sporadic osteochondroma found in the posterior mandibular ramus of a 56-year-old woman, resulting in chronic restricted mouth opening and facial asymmetry persisted over 20 years. Clinical and radiographic examinations, including panoramic and cone-beam computed tomography, revealed a large radiopaque mass causing mechanical locking. Surgical excision of the mass resolved the symptoms without recurrence for 5.5 years. This case underscores the importance of considering osteochondromas in the differential diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders with restricted mouth opening. It emphasizes the necessity for thor-ough clinical evaluation and careful radiographic interpretation of extraoral findings.

Keyword

Osteochondroma; Mandibular ramus; Limitation of mouth opening; Facial asymmetry; Temporomandibular disorder