3D evaluation of changes in mandibular condyle morphology following orthognathic surgery in patients with maxillomandibular asymmetry: A retrospective study.

Abstract

Symmetry is integral for the balance and function of the craniofacial complex and making precise diagnosis of asymmetric craniofacial structures is crucial for treatment planning. This study focuses on maxillomandibular asymmetry, examining its impact on condylar resorption and trabecular bone morphology changes following orthognathic surgery. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of patients with and without asymmetry were analyzed pre- and post-surgery. The deviation group exhibited significant decreases in bone volume (BV) and trabecular thickness (TB.TH), indicating condylar resorption. Non-deviation group showed a significant decrease in TB.TH post-surgery. Interestingly, fractal dimension (FD) increased post-surgery across all groups, indicating increased trabecular bone density. Pairwise comparisons revealed significant differences in BV_CHANGE between deviation and non-deviation groups, suggesting greater resorptive activity in deviated condyles. Additionally, gender-based analyses showed significant differences in BV_CHANGE between males and females. These findings highlight the complexity of condylar changes post-surgery, particularly in asymmetric cases, shedding light on potential implications for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) health. Consideration of factors such as asymmetry direction, patient gender, and bone adaptation capacity are crucial in understanding post-surgical outcomes and potential TMJ implications in maxillomandibular asymmetry patients undergoing orthognathic surgery.