• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.69-79
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• 2007

Condylar resroption, or condylysis can be defined as progressive alteration of condylar shape and decrease in mass. Although the cause is unknown, condylar resorption has been assocated with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, systemic erythematous, steroid usage, orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery. In most case, however, there is no identifiable precipitating event. Hence the term is idiopathic condylar resorption. With condylar resorption, the bone loss is resulting in a loss of posterior support in the involved condyle and the mandible can then shift. As a result, the most patients exhibit occlusal change, openbite, retrognathism, and a decrease in posterior face height. This article reports cases of condylar resorption. And the author will review factors capable of changes of condyle, pathogensis and management of conylar resorption.