PURPOSE

Recommended treatment for patients with osteochondromas of the mandibular condyle is to perform complete condylectomy with joint replacement. Low condylectomy with joint preservation has recently been proposed as a treatment option. This study compared the outcomes of these treatment options in patients with condylar osteochondromas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients were divided into 2 groups: patients who underwent complete condylectomy and joint replacement (group A, n = 13) and patients who underwent low condylectomy and joint preservation (group B, n = 8). To optimize occlusion, function, and esthetics, maxillary and mandibular orthognathic procedures were performed as necessary to re-establish vertical ramus height. Outcomes were measured clinically and radiographically.

RESULTS

The 2 groups showed significant clinical improvement (P < .05), with no tumor recurrence. Group A had increased operating room (OR) time and donor-site complications in those who received autogenous joint reconstruction compared with alloplastic joint replacement. Group B had a shorter OR duration with quicker postoperative recovery. Orthognathic procedures were stable in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Complete and low condylectomies are viable options for the surgical management of osteochondromas of the mandibular condyle. If temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction is required, patient-fitted TMJ replacements provide similar clinical outcomes as autogenous reconstruction, but have the advantages of eliminating donor-site morbidity and decreasing operating time.