The relationship between condyle position, morphology and chin deviation in skeletal Class III patients with facial asymmetry using cone-beam CT / 대한치과교정학회지

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Facial asymmetry is usually evaluated from the difference in length and angulation of the maxilla and mandible. However, asymmetric position or shape of the condyle can also affect the expression of asymmetry. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between condylar asymmetry and chin point deviation in facial asymmetry. METHODS: Cone-beam CT images of fifty adult skeletal Class III patients were studied. Thirty patients who had more than 4 mm menton deviation were categorized in the asymmetric group. Twenty patients with less than 4 mm menton deviation were assigned to the symmetric group. Anteroposterior and transverse condyle positions were evaluated from the cranial base. The greatest mediolateral diameter (GMD) of the condyle in the axial plane and angulation to the coronal plane were measured. The height and volume of the condyles were evaluated. RESULTS: The symmetric group had no statistical difference between both condyles in position, angulation, GMD, height and volume. In the asymmetric group, the non-deviated side condyle was larger in GMD, height and volume than the deviated side. There was no statistical difference in condyle position and angulation. The GMD, height difference and condylar volume ratio (non-deviated/deviated) were positively correlated with chin deviation. From the linear regression analysis, condylar volume ratio was a significant factor affecting chin deviation. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggests that the non-deviated side condyle is larger than the deviated side. In addition, condylar asymmetry can affect the expression of facial asymmetry.