Hyperplastic conditions of the mandibular condyles

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic features of unilateral hyperplastic mandibular condyles for some useful preliminary diagnostic recommendations. Materials and Methods : Clinical records, radiographs and histologic diagnoses of 35 cases with asymmetric mandibular condyles due to apparent unilateral condylar hyperplasia were evaluated retrospectively. Results: Among 35 cases, 28 were true hyperplastic conditions of condyles whereas the remaining 7 were unilateral internal derangement occurring on the short side. 17 of the 28 hyperplastic condyles showed a mass or irregular radiographic shadow with histologic diagnosis including osteochondroma and osteoma. Only 5 of these cases showed facial asymmetry. 2 out of the 17 cases showed hyperplastic round shaped irregular condyles consistent with ankylosis and their histologic diagnoses were osteochondromas. 11 of the 28 cases showed smooth enlargement of condylar head with elongation of the neck causing facial asymmetry, but histologic diagnoses were not available because the surgical operation conserved the condyles. Conclusion: The hyperplastic conditions of the mandibular condyles include not only true hyperplasia, osteochondroma, osteoma, and ankylosis, but also unilateral internal derangement occurring on the short side.