Beyond Bifid and Trifid: CBCT Findings of a Pentafid Mandibular Condyle in a Patient With a History of Childhood Trauma: A Case Report.

The mandibular condyle may exhibit a variety of morphological variations, most commonly bifid and, less frequently, trifid and tetrafid configurations. Although these anomalies are often detected incidentally and remain asymptomatic, some patients may present with temporomandibular joint dysfunction, pain, restricted mandibular movements, or facial asymmetry. We report the clinical and radiographic findings of a 50-year-old female patient in whom an unusual five-lobed (pentafid) morphology of the right mandibular condyle was incidentally detected during routine radiographic examination. The patient had a history of childhood facial trauma and presented with mild temporomandibular joint symptoms, including limited mouth opening, pain during maximal mouth opening, occasional pain during mastication, and mandibular deviation during opening. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) confirmed the presence of five distinct condylar lobules, whereas the contralateral condyle demonstrated normal morphology. Owing to the absence of severe functional impairment, conservative management was recommended. To the best of our knowledge, no previously published case describing a pentafid mandibular condyle has been identified in the available literature. This case illustrates an unusual morphological manifestation within the spectrum of multiheaded mandibular condyles. Although the patient's history suggests a possible association with childhood trauma, the absence of contemporaneous clinical and radiographic records precludes establishing a causal relationship.