Functional and fixed orthodontics-induced growth of an aplastic condyle in a young patient: a case report

Condylar aplasia is a condition characterized by the complete lack of a condyle. It is a rare disease, most often associated with more complex syndromes such as Hemifacial Microsomia, Treacher-Collins and Goldenhar. In this article, we present the case of a young female patient (4.3 years) with an aplastic left condyle. She received early two-phase treatment: first, a functional appliance to stimulate condylar growth and, second, fixed multibracket therapy and Class II elastics to improve the occlusal relationship. Functional therapy lasted many years due to non-compliance. Intermediate radiographic controls (at 8.6 years and at 10.4 years) showed no improvement in the growth of the aplastic condyle. The growing process started during fixed orthodontic therapy (beginning at 10.6 years). At the end of treatment, when the patient was 14, the size of the left condyle was similar to that of the controlateral. Below, we describe and discuss the treatment.