Effects of symphyseal distraction osteogenesis on the temporomandibular joint seen with magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography.

The aim of this case report was to evaluate the effect of symphyseal distraction osteogenesis on the position of the mandibular condyle and the disc of an asymptomatic adolescent patient by using magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography. A 15-year-old girl with severe maxillary and mandibular dental crowding was treated with a Haas-type banded maxillary expansion appliance and symphyseal distraction osteogenesis with a Hyrax-type tooth-borne distractor, respectively. Lateral cephalometric and panoramic radiographs, dental casts, and extraoral and intraoral photographs were obtained before and after treatment in addition to temporomandibular joint magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography scans. This patient was treated successfully. The distraction osteogenesis produced inconspicuous rotation of the mandibular condyles with an unchanged position of the disc as determined by the imaging and scans of the temporomandibular joint.