Hemimandibular hyperplasia: Treatment strategies

Hemimandibular hyperplasia is a well-defined, rare asymmetrical mandibular malformation. It is characterized by diffuse enlargement of the condyle, th e condylar neck, and the ramus and body of the mandible. Because the anomal y begins before puberty, it is understandable that the maxilla follows the downward growth of the mandible. Pathogenesis is due most likely to clear h yperactivity in the condyle, which can be documented histologically with an actively proliferating cartilage. Therapy is largely based on the patient' s age. The authors present their series of nine individuals with hemimandib ular hyperplasia treated with various surgical methods between 1992 and 199 4. A therapeutic approach called orthopedic maxillary management applied to two of the nine patients is presented. The objective is to maintain the oc clusal maxillary plane in a correct position in growing patients. All clini cal results, except one, were satisfying and showed good postoperative stab ility.