Idiopathic condylar resorption: Diagnosis, treatment protocol, and outcomes

Idiopathic condylar resorption is a poorly understood progressive disease t hat affects the TMJ and that can result in malocclusion, facial disfigureme nt, TMJ dysfunction, and pain. This article presents the diagnostic criteri a for idiopathic condylar resorption and a new treatment protocol for manag ement of this pathologic condition, Idiopathic condylar resorption most oft en occurs in teenage girls but can occur at any age, although rarely over t he age of 40 years. These patients have a common facial morphology includin g: (1) high occlusal and mandibular plane angles, (2) progressively retrudi ng mandible, and (3) Class II occlusion with or without open bite. Imaging usually demonstrates small resorbing condyles and TMJ articular disk disloc ations. A specific treatment protocol has been developed to treat this cond ition that includes: (1) removal of hyperplastic synovial and bilaminar tis sue; (2) disk repositioning and ligament repair; and (3) indicated orthogna thic surgery to correct the functional and esthetic facial deformity. Patie nts with this condition respond well to the treatment protocol presented he rein with elimination of the disease process. Two cases are presented to de monstrate this treatment protocol and outcomes that can be achieved. Idiopa thic condylar resorption is a progressive disease that can be eliminated wi th the appropriate treatment protocol.