Condylar asymmetry in patients with mandibular asymmetry assessed by cone-beam computed tomography

Purpose: The study aimed to compare the condylar size of the deviated and non-deviated sides in patients with mandibular asymmetry.The relationship of the condylar size difference between the deviated and non-deviated sides and the involvement of the anteroposterior or vertical skeletal patterns were subsequently examined.Materials and methods: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed in 47 Japanese, Korean, and Egyptian people over the age of 18 for orthodontic diagnosis.The amount of deviation of Menton (Me) from the reference plane in the middle of the face was targeted at 4 mm or more.The side where Me exists was defined as the deviated side, and the opposite side was defined as the non-deviated side.The measurement items were condylar length, condylar width, and condylar height.The deviated and non-deviated sides were compared.Results: Statistically significant differences were found in the condylar length and condylar height (p < 0.05, p < 0.000, respectively).The factors involved in this significant difference were also examined.Condylar length was defined as the anteroposterior skeletal pattern between Class III and Class II.Conclusion: Patients with mandibular asymmetry have a condylar size difference between the deviated and nondeviated sides.This right -left difference was suggested to be related to the anteroposterior skeletal pattern.