The degenerative, regenerative mandibular condyle: facial asymmetry.

Studies of longitudinal cephalometric radiographs are presented for several patients with condylar fracture or hemifacial microsomia to illustrate condylar regeneration, presumably under functional influences. Implications of new condylar development and growth to facial and mandibular symmetry are presented. Clinical implications are introduced and the hypothesis of necessity of function for maintenance of relative facial symmetry is considered.