Abstract

We describe our experience with conservative condylectomy for the correction of facial asymmetry in fivepatients with osteochondroma of the man-dibular condyle. All fivepatients presented with malocclusion and facial asymmetry, which are common clinical findingsof osteochondroma involving the mandibular condyle. We performed conservative condylectomy without additional orthognathic surgery for all fivepatients, preserving the vertical height of the condylar process as much as possible. Following surgery, intermaxillary traction using a skeletal anchorage system with rubber elastics was performed on all patients to improve occlusion, and, when necessary, additional minimal orthodontic treatment was performed. The mean follow-up period was 42 months. At the last follow-up visit, all patients exhibited satisfactory facial symmetry and remodeling of the remaining condyle, with stable health and no signs of recurrence. In conclusion, conservative condylectomy alone, without subsequent orthognathic surgery, is adequate for the restoration of facial symmetry and the preservation of vertical condylar height in select patients with condylar osteochondroma.