Evaluation of the relationship between unilateral condylar hyperplasia and idiopathic scoliosis

This study aims to evaluate the association between unilateral condylar hyperplasia and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis by analyzing scintigraphic growth rate, ramus length discrepancy, and Cobb's angle.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients diagnosed with active unilateral condylar hyperplasia. Inclusion criteria required a right-to-left condylar growth rate difference exceeding 1.10 on bone scintigraphy and had chest radiography. Control subjects were matched by age and gender, had chest radiography during general anesthesia due to an unrelated dental procedure. Cobb's angle was measured via chest radiographs; ramus length discrepancy was assessed by 3D Slicer Software using SPECT/CT data.

The study included 30 unilateral condylar hyperplasia patients and 35 control subjects. The mean Cobb's angle was significantly higher in the unilateral condylar hyperplasia group (6.92±5.44°) compared to controls (2.97±4.89°; p < 0.001). No significant correlation was observed between Cobb's angle and condylar growth rate (p = 0.930) or ramus length difference (p = 0.295). While an inverse relationship was noted between affected condyle side and scoliosis direction, it was not statistically significant (p = 0.219).

Patients with active unilateral condylar hyperplasia exhibit a higher Cobb's angle compared to controls, suggesting an association between mandibular asymmetry and vertebral posture. However, growth rate and ramus length difference do not appear to influence scoliosis severity.