[Skeletal scintigraphy in the treatment planning for hemimandibular elongation]

Hemimandibular elongation is characterized by unilateral continuous growth of the mandibular ramus and condyle. Skeletal scintigraphy is indicated for the assessment of prospective growth. When growth has ceased a correcting osteotomy may be performed. In the case of severe active growth and fast progressive facial asymmetry the growth centre should be removed surgically by condylectomy. 21 patients with facial asymmetry and/or laterognathia underwent skeletal scintigraphy. 19 patients showed symmetrical or nearly symmetrical nuclear uptake. In 11 cases a correcting osteotomy was performed without any relapse. 2 patients showed markedly unilateral increased nuclear uptake. One of them underwent condylectomy and showed a stable result 3 years postoperatively. The other patient underwent a correcting osteotomy with subsequent recurrence of laterognathia. By visualization of the pathophysiological process skeletal scintigraphy yields information for treatment planning in hemimandibular elongation.