Coronoid Process Asymmetry in Mandibular Deviation: A Clinical Morphological Analysis

Area of Science:

• Craniofacial anatomy and development
• Orthodontics and maxillofacial surgery

Background:

• The relationship between coronoid process asymmetry and mandibular deviation is not well understood.
• Clarifying this association is crucial for diagnosing and treating craniofacial differences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the association between coronoid process asymmetry and skeletal mandibular deviation.
• To investigate if coronoid process morphology is a reliable indicator of mandibular asymmetry.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case-control study was conducted with 259 adult patients.
• Coronoid process morphology (height and length) was measured and compared between groups with and without significant mandibular deviation (menton deviation ≥2 mm).
• Statistical analyses included t tests, Pearson correlation, and multivariable regression.

Main Results:

• Patients with mandibular deviation showed significantly greater bilateral differences in coronoid height and length compared to controls.
• A positive correlation was found between increased coronoid process height on the deviated side and the degree of deviation.
• Multivariable regression confirmed coronoid process asymmetry as an independent factor associated with mandibular deviation.

Conclusions:

• Mandibular deviation is strongly correlated with unilateral coronoid process elongation.
• Assessing coronoid process morphology enhances the clinical evaluation of mandibular asymmetry.
• This finding has implications for diagnosis and treatment planning in craniofacial orthopedics.