[Imaging of mandibular malformations and deformities]

Mandibular deformities and malformations are quite various. They are mostly identified by clinical examination, but imaging is very useful for surgical planning. CT imaging is essential to evaluate patients with dystrophies such as fibrous dysplasia, neurofibromatosis, Gorlin syndrome and cherubism. Some growth abnormalities lead to a pseudomalformative appearance. Sequelae and ankylosis from condylar fracture, and unilateral mandibular hypoplasia due to capillary-venous malformation require CT or/and MR evaluation. CT with 3D reformations is performed as a complement to clinical evaluation in patients with other growth abnormalities such as orthognathic problems, hypercondylia, and some malformations like lateral facial clefts. MR is helpful for soft tissue evaluation in patients with Parry-Romberg syndrome and Pierre Robin dysostosis.