In a subcondylar mandibular fracture, in which direction is the fractured condylar head most likely to be displaced?

Posteriorly, due to masseter pull
Anteromedially, due to unopposed lateral pterygoid pull
Laterally, due to temporalis pull
It typically stays in anatomic position

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Correct answer: B. Anteromedially, due to unopposed lateral pterygoid pull

Once a subcondylar fracture occurs, the condylar fragment is no longer stabilized by the capsule/ligaments and is pulled anteriorly and medially by the unopposed contraction of the lateral pterygoid muscle, which inserts on the condylar neck/pterygoid fovea.

Practice Anatomy & Histology questions Anatomy & Histology study notes

In a subcondylar mandibular fracture, in which direction is the fractured condylar head most likely to be displaced?

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