Computerized skeletal scintigraphy for assessment of mandibular asymmetry

Normal standards of technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate (99mTc-MDP) uptake in the jaws of adults and growing children have previously been established. This study utilizes the technique of skeletal scintigraphy for diagnosis and treatment planning in 21 patients with mandibular asymmetry. Diagnoses included hemifacial microsomia (n = 6), condylar hyper or hypoplasia (n = 10), and generalized mandibular asymmetry (n = 5). 99mTc-MDP uptake was measured in the right and left condyle, ramus, and body. Uptake was then compared with the known age-adjusted standards. The data were used to determine 1) mandibular growth activity, 2) normal vs. abnormal side, and 3) the effects of operative and functional therapy. The presence of end stage deformity was predicted when mandibular uptake reached the adult norm.