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Hyperplasia of the condyle
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
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Condylar process hyperplasia is a disease of unknown etiology characterized by persistent and accelerated growth of the condylar process when its growth should be minimal or complete. The growth eventually stops on its own.
Symptoms of condylar process hyperplasia
Slowly progressive unilateral enlargement of the head and neck of the condylar process causes crossbite, facial asymmetry, and displacement of the chin to the healthy side. The patient may have an overdeveloped maxilla. The edge of the mandible is more convex on the affected side. Chondroma or osteochondroma may produce similar symptoms and syndromes, but they grow rapidly and may cause greater enlargement of the condylar process.
Diagnosis of condylar process hyperplasia
On radiographic examination the temporomandibular joint may appear normal or the condylar process may be proportionally enlarged and the neck of the process elongated, CT is usually performed to determine the end of bone growth which confirms the diagnosis or localizes it to the head of the condylar process. If growth is limited, a biopsy is needed to differentiate between tumor and hyperplasia.
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Treatment of hyperplasia of the condylar process
Treatment usually involves removal of the condyle during the period of active growth. If growth stops, orthodontic and surgical treatment is used to restore the mandible. If the mandible has increased significantly, facial asymmetry can be corrected later by reducing the lower border of the mandible.