Mandibular condyle: structure properties and growth regulation

Abstract

Malocclusion is a developmental condition. In most instances, malocclusion and dentofacial deformity arise from variations in the normal development, and so it must be evaluated against a perspective of natural growth. For mandible, the deficiency or excess will lead to the skeletal problems three-dimensionally. Thus, it is important to understand the growth discipline and the regulatory mechanism. The mandibular condylar cartilage, which covers the surface of the mandibular condyle at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), has long been considered as a critical growth site [1]. It is unique in terms of several morphological, physiological and functional properties different from the articular cartilage of the long bones. However, compared to the well-studied developmental process in the growth plate of long bone, less has been explored on the regulatory mechanism of the mandibular condyle growth.