Mandibular asymmetry: a three-dimensional quantification of bilateral condyles

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics
• Craniofacial Biology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• The condyle's shape and volume are crucial in mandibular deviation development.
• Assessing condyle-fossa congruence objectively is vital for understanding asymmetry.
• Three-dimensional (3-D) quantification of condyles can reveal their role in mandibular asymmetry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a 3-D quantification of bilateral asymmetrical condyles.
• To identify the specific role of 3-D condylar configuration in mandibular asymmetry.

Main Methods:

• 55 adult patients with diagnosed mandibular asymmetry were analyzed.
• Computed tomography (CT) scans were used to create 3-D mandibular models.
• Condylar volume, surface size, curvature, and bone mineral density were evaluated on deviated and non-deviated sides.

Main Results:

• Condylar surface size and volume were significantly larger on the deviated side.
• The deviated condyle exhibited a flatter anterior slope and a more convex posterior slope.
• Bone mineral density differed between the anterior and posterior slopes on the deviated side.

Conclusions:

• Incongruence on the deviated side leads to reduced contact areas, increased stress, and altered bone density.
• Differences between deviated and non-deviated condyles correlate with facial asymmetry.
• 3-D condylar morphology differences in patients with mandibular asymmetry indicate a link between jaw function and joint remodeling.