Conservative management of unilateral condylar hyperplasia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to eliminate orthodontic treatment in mild to moderate cases of condylar hyperplasia in its early stages by condylectomy. A total of five patients (two females and three males) aged between 17 and 40 years were treated with unilateral condylectomy of the involved side without orthodontic treatment. All patients underwent standardized clinical and radiological examination at initial consultation, before surgery, immediately after surgery, and follow-up. Objective and subjective evaluation of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) included maximal incisal opening, lateral excursions, correction of facial asymmetry, occlusal harmony, TMJ pain, and jaw function. Results were recorded at 5-year follow-up. In all our cases, we achieved good mouth opening and near to normal occlusion. Good facial aesthetics was obtained after 3 months postoperative follow-up without secondary orthodontic treatment. Thus, we conclude that treatment of mild to moderate cases of unilateral condylar hyperplasia during the inactive phase can be treated with condylectomy without orthodontic treatment, and it significantly improves long-term surgical outcomes.