title: Ectopic third molar in the mandibular condyle: a review of the literature.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the etiopathogenesis, clinical features, therapeutic options, and surgical approaches for removal of ectopic third molars in the mandibular condyle.
  
  
  METHODS
  MEDLINE search of articles published on ectopic third molars in the mandibular condyle from 1980 to 2011. 14 well-documented clinical cases from the literature were evaluated together with a new clinical case provided by the authors, representing a sample of 15 patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found a mean age at diagnosis of 48.6 years and a higher prevalence in women. In 14 patients, associated radiolucent lesions were diagnosed on radiographic studies and confirmed histopathologically as odontogenic cysts. Clinical symptoms were pain and swelling in the jaw or preauricular region, trismus, difficulty chewing, cutaneous fistula and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Treatment included conservative management in one case and in the other cases, surgical removal by intra- or extraoral approaches, the latter being the most common approach carried out. In most reported cases, serious complications were not outlined.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The etiopathogenic theory involving odontogenic cysts in the displacement of third molars to the mandibular condyle seems to be the most relevant. They must be removed if they cause symptoms or are associated with cystic pathology. The surgical route must be planned according to the location and position of the ectopic third molar, and the possible morbidity associated with surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, Seville, Spain.
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Iglesias-Martin
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Infante-Cossio
authors.forename: Eusebio
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Torres-Carranza
authors.forename: Victoria-Eugenia
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: Prats-Golczer
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Garcia-Perla-Garcia
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000002:abnormalities*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000002:abnormalities*; D014079:Tooth Eruption, Ectopic