Clinical and computed tomographic findings in costochondral grafts replacing the mandibular condyle

The aim of this study was to evaluate by computed tomography (CT) and clinically the structure and function of costochondral grafts (CCG) used to replace the mandibular condyles.

CT and clinical examination were performed in 11 patients with CCGs (9 female, 2 male; mean age at surgery, 25 years; range, 9 to 44 years) approximately 4.5 years after surgery (range, 5 months to 10.5 years). One mandibular condyle was replaced in six patients and two in five patients.

Facial asymmetry was observed in two cases and palpation tenderness of the TMJs or clicking and crepitation were found in 10 of 16 operated TMJs. In three cases coronal CT scans showed the graft to be situated laterally in the mandibular fossa, and lateral overgrowth of the graft was seen in three cases. In two cases, coronal CT slices showed that a new fossa had developed. In most cases translatory movement of the graft was minimal. The graft was either partially or almost completely mineralized, especially in cases with longer follow-up.

Most of the patients in this study seemed to have benefitted from replacement of the deformed mandibular condyle with a CCG as estimated by improved range of mandibular movements and decreased symptoms. There were some problems related to unpredictable growth and location of the graft, as well as restricted movement of the replaced condyle. In the future, care should be taken to ensure proper postoperative functional therapy and to examine the role of cartilage thickness on future growth in young patients.