DR CHRISTOPHER LIM
ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEON
Sydney II NSW II Australia
CONDYLAR HYPERPLASIA
Condylar hyperplasia is a problem when one jaw joint grows disproportionately to the other side. Some patients notice a facial asymmetry develop over many years. This may by subtle or obvious to the point whereby a gap starts to form between the upper and lower jaw on one side.
The image to the left demonstrates an asymmetric face due to overgrowth of the left temporomandibular joint. The chin point is to the right. Diagnosis is by clinical examination and bone scan to determine if the growth is "active" or "quiescent".
​
If active, slow growth can continue and lead to what is known as an open bite such as in the CT below. Condylar hyperplasia can also be associated with TMJ pain and dysfunction.
The image to the right demonstrates an overgrowth of the right condyle leading to an open bite on the right side. The teeth of this patient do not meet and she present with facial asymmetry and difficulty with function.
