Angular and linear comparisons with unilateral mandibular asymmetry.

Twelve patients (mean age 24 years) presenting with facial asymmetry, thought to represent unilateral mandibular condylar hyperplasia, were included in this study. Two distinct patient groups were noted: (1) with apparent condylar hyperplasia and (2) with unilateral internal derangements. Six patients were found to have normal TMJs bilaterally and six had unilateral internal derangement occurring on the short side. Angular and linear measurements were compared using Student's t test for discrete variables between the two groups and ANOVA for continuous variables; however, they were unable to demonstrate any set of circumstances that would suggest differences between the two groups. The only clear distinction was the presence of degenerative joint disease on the short side. This suggests that standard radiographs would be helpful if other imaging studies were not performed.