Three-dimensional skeletal changes after early proportional condylectomy for condylar hyperplasia

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Craniofacial Development and Regeneration

Background:

• Active unilateral condylar hyperplasia (AUCH) presents significant maxillomandibular and skeletal asymmetries.
• Surgical intervention is often necessary to correct these deformities and restore facial balance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate volumetric and dentoskeletal changes following proportional condylectomy in patients with AUCH.
• To assess the regenerative capacity of the condyle and articular cavity post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• A split-mouth design comparing affected (AS) and healthy (HS) sides in 21 AUCH patients.
• Cone beam tomography scans at preoperative, 10-day, and 12-month postoperative intervals.
• Measurement of condylar unit volume (CUV), articular cavity volume (ACV), and dentoalveolar units (DAUs).

Main Results:

• Condylar unit volume (CUV) on the affected side increased significantly post-surgery, approaching the healthy side's volume within 12 months.
• Articular cavity volume (ACV) initially decreased then increased, nearing the healthy side's volume.
• Dentoalveolar changes included extrusion and intrusion of maxillary and mandibular segments, indicating adaptive remodeling.

Conclusions:

• Proportional condylectomy promotes neocondyle formation and normalization of the maxillomandibular relationship in AUCH patients.
• The articular cavity demonstrates adaptive volume changes post-surgery.
• Early surgical intervention can effectively manage AUCH, leading to favorable skeletal and dental outcomes.