[Mandibular hypercondylosis. Signs and diagnosis].

Mandibular condyle hyperplasia is typically characterized by an hypertrophy and an increased growth activity of one of the mandibular condyles (except, in the rare cases of bilateral involvement). The homo-lateral descent of the molar occlusal plane, leads to generalised adaptive alterations of the maxilla and the entire facial skeleton, which justifies pre-pubescent condylar surgery. Thus, the early diagnosis of the affliction is preferable, based on a thorough knowledge of these clinical signs.