Idiopathic condylar resorption

Idiopathic condylar resorption is a well-documented but poorly-understood pathological entity that predominantly affects young women, particularly during the pubertal growth spurt. Several theories have been proposed to explain its aetiopathogenesis, the most favoured of which are the hormonally mediated theory, the theory of avascular necrosis, and the dysfunctional remodelling theory. The condition is diagnosed by a combination of clinical and radiological data as well as elements from the patient's history. Treatments such as orthognathic surgery, repositioning and stabilisation of the disc, condylectomy and condylar repair with a costochondral graft, or total prosthetic joint reconstruction, have been suggested, but so far, no method has proved superior. Further research is required to better understand the pathophysiology of the condition and identify the optimal treatment. (C) 2018 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.