The value of bone scanning in pre-operative decision-making in patients with progressive facial asymmetry

Hemimandibular elongation is characterized by persistent unilateral growth, resulting in unilateral overgrowth of the mandible. The surgical treatment strategy depends on condylar growth activity, which cannot be assessed by conventional radiological procedures. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate the usefulness of bone scanning in hemimandibular elongation. Twenty-seven patients underwent bone scanning prior to surgery Growth activity was quantified by calculating the L/R ratio. In the case of more pronounced right-sided growth producing a L/R ratio of less than 1, inverse values were used. Corrective osteotomy was performed in the patients with a L/R < 1.10, whereas patients with a L/R > 1.10 underwent condylectomy. Twenty-three patients had a L/R ratio < 1.10 and were followed up for 3 years. In 16 patients, a corrective osteotomy was performed without any relapse post-operatively. Four patients showed marked unilateral increased uptake. In one patient, a preoperative bone scan was not considered, and corrective osteotomy was performed with subsequent recurrence of unilateral overgrowth of the mandible. The final patient underwent condylectomy without relapse. In two patients, it was decided to repeat the bone scan after a follow-up period of 12 months. In conclusion, bone scanning has significant clinical value in pre-operative decision-making in hemimandibular elongation by guiding surgical strategy with respect to condylar growth activity.