Oral Surgery · single question

In a mandibular condylar (subcondylar) fracture, the condylar fragment most classically displaces in which direction?

Posteriorly
Medially (anteromedially, due to unopposed pull of the lateral pterygoid muscle)
Laterally
It remains in normal anatomic position

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Medially (anteromedially, due to unopposed pull of the lateral pterygoid muscle)

Once a subcondylar fracture occurs, the condylar fragment loses its capsular stabilization and is pulled medially (more precisely, anteromedially) by the unopposed action of the lateral pterygoid muscle, which inserts on the pterygoid fovea of the condylar neck.

Practice Oral Surgery questions Oral Surgery study notes

In a mandibular condylar (subcondylar) fracture, the condylar fragment most classically displaces in which direction?

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