Condylar head remodeling following mandibular setback osteotomy for prognathism: a comparative study of different imaging modalities.
OBJECTIVE
Condylar remodeling, which develops after mandibular setback osteotomy, was evaluated and compared in CT, plain film radiographs, and MR images acquired postoperatively.


METHODS
Thirty-nine patients treated with sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) and 46 patients treated with intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) were studied. Remodeling as seen in the images and the diagnostic agreement between imaging modalities was evaluated.


RESULTS
A newly formed bone layer in the posterior part of the condylar head was identified as a sign suggestive of remodeling. This sign was seen predominantly at periods over 6 months postoperatively. IVRO subjects had a higher incidence of remodeling than did the SSRO group. The diagnostic agreement between the 3 imaging modalities was substantial. There was a positive correlation between postoperative condylar displacement and the incidence of remodeling.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of postoperative condylar head remodeling may be predictable. High-dose postoperative imaging studies to assess the TMJ should be restricted to those cases having a clear need for such studies.
Department of Oral Radiology, Asahi University School of Dentistry, Gifu, Japan. kawamata@dent.asahi-u.ac.jp
Akitoshi
A
Katsumata
Minori
M
Nojiri
Masami
M
Fujishita
Yoshiko
Y
Ariji
Eiichiro
E
Ariji
Robert P
RP
Langlais
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016723:Bone Remodeling / Q000502:physiology*; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015588:Observer Variation; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011378:Prognathism / Q000601:surgery*; D011861:Radiography, Dental; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed