Unilateral Condylar Hyperplasia and the Associated Deformity of Facial Asymmetry

Abstract

The etiology of unilateral condylar hyperplasia is obscure. We believe that it is due more likely to an intra-uterine influence rather than to genetic disturbances. The disorder appears to have its basis in the cartilagenous growth centre of the mandibular condyle. The clinical picture varies a great deal, depending upon the onset of the growth upset relative to the age of the patient and the rate of growth. Two cases are reported. In one patient the anomalous growth pattern was apparent particularly in the condylar neck, which showed marked elongation, thickening and angulation. In the other patient the entire condyloid process appeared proportionately enlarged. The typical clinical history is one in which the patient had been aware for many years of progressive deviation of the jaw. Pain in the T.M.J. regions is rarely the presenting symptom. With recent advances of oral surgery, restoration of malocclusion and facial disharmony can be achieved by approaches other than the traditional procedure of condylectomy.