Condylar process

Structure

The condylar process is a bony protuberance that is located at the posterior end of the mandible on both the left and right sides. ^[5]It is made up of cancellous bone, which is a spongy type of bone tissue that is found in the interior of bones and is characterized by a honeycomb-like structure. It is shaped like a rounded knob and is covered by a thin layer of articular cartilage. This smooth, glistening cartilage helps to reduce friction and protect the bone during joint movement.^[3] The condylar process also has a small, bony projection known as the eminence, which is located just anterior (in front of) to the condylar process and is involved in the movement of the jaw.

Location

The condylar process is located at the posterior end of the mandible on both the left and right sides. It is situated just above the neck of the mandible and is partially embedded in the temporal bone, which is a bone located in the skull. It can be easily palpated (felt) by placing the fingers on either side of the mandible just below the earlobe.^[1] It is also visible on a lateral (side) radiograph (x-ray) of the mandible, where it appears as a rounded bony projection.

Function

The condylar process plays a vital role in the movement and function of the jaw. It is involved in the hinge joint action of the mandible, which allows the jaw to move up and down and side to side. During biting and chewing, the condylar process moves in a circular motion as the mandible opens and closes. It rotates around the articular eminence of the temporal bone, which is a bony projection located on the skull. This hinge joint action allows the mandible to move in a range of motion that is necessary for biting, chewing, and speaking. The condylar process is also involved in the protrusion and retraction of the jaw. Protrusion is the movement of the jaw forward, and retraction is the movement of the jaw backward. These movements are necessary for biting and chewing and are also important for speech.

Clinical Significance

The condylar process is an important structure in the jaw, and any abnormalities or injuries to this region can have significant impacts on the function and movement of the jaw.^[8] One common condition that affects the condylar process is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. This condition is characterized by pain and discomfort in the temporomandibular joint, which is the joint located between the mandible and the temporal bone. ^[6]Symptoms of TMJ disorder may include pain while chewing, clicking or popping noises when the jaw moves, and difficulty opening or closing the jaw. TMJ disorder can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury to the jaw or temporomandibular joint, misalignment of the teeth, and excessive stress or grinding of the teeth. Treatment for TMJ disorder may include medications, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery to repair or reconstruct the temporomandibular joint.