Characteristics of the pericondylar veins of the temporomandibular joint in the parotid cell

Introduction: The presence of the pericondylar vein in the area of the temporomandibular joint is scarcely reported in the literature; however, it is present in anatomical dissected preparations and during surgical procedures. Objective: To determine the characteristics of the pericondylar vein located in the area of the temporomandibular joint, related to the parotid region. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional, prospective study that included 30 human cadavers that were dissected at the temporomandibular joint level was conducted. The variables analyzed were the distribution of the pericondylar vein, its shape, dimensions and the relationships existing between bony structures. Results: The 30 cases presented the pericondylar vein that surrounded the external face of the neck of the mandibular condyle; 73,3 % of the veins ended at the level of the retromandibular vein; 38,3 % of them presented an oblique path. The average length of the vein was 2,37 cm and its average diameter was 1.82 mm. The presence of the pericondyleal artery was found in two cases, among other relationships. Conclusions: The pericondyleal vein was present in all cases, mostly unique and located around the outside of the neck of the mandibular condyle. It most frequently runs into the retromandibular vein. Up to its mouth, it often has an oblique path, from top to bottom and backwards.