Condylar hypoplasia: Clinical case

Abstract

The formation of the face and the stomatognathic system is complex in nature and involves the development of multiple tissue processes that must unite and fuse in an extremely orderly manner. Disorders in the growth of these tissue processes or in their fusions can result in facial changes. The temporomandibular joint is one of the most complex in the human body, with the condylar process responsible for the expression of mandibular growth. Condylar hypoplasia is characterized by a defective formation of the condylar process that can be congenital or acquired. In the case presented, the patient has facial asymmetry since the first year of life, only on the left side. Thus, professionals working in the region of the temporomandibular joint must have knowledge of the existence and clinical implications for an early diagnosis in order to avoid the development of facial asymmetries, restoring the patient’s function, aesthetics and psychological status.