The outcome of coronoidectomy in bilateral coronoid process hyperplasia

Abstract

Objective: Coronoid process hyperplasia (CPH) of the mandible is a rare condition that can be defined as an abnormal bony elongation of histologically normal bone with the symptoms of progressive, painless difficulty in opening the mouth. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of five patients with CPH treated by coronoidectomy, relative to post surgery jaw function. Methods: Five patients with CPH were included in this study. The diagnosis of CPH was confirmed by radiographic and clinical examination of the mandible. All five patients underwent bilateral intraoral coronoidectomy under general anesthesia. The mean maximum interincisal mouth opening for the patients was determined by measurements taken pre-surgery, intraoperative, and at longest follow-up. All five patients underwent postsurgical physical therapy directed towards jaw function. Results: All the patients with limited mouth openings presented with a preoperative maximum interincisal mouth opening of 12.4 mm (range 9-20.3 mm), which was increased to 37 mm (range 22-52 mm) in the operating room after bilateral intraoral coronoidectomy and 42 mm (range 32-52 mm) during the late follow-up. Conclusions: Patients with limited jaw function related to bilateral CPH can benefit by undergoing bilateral coronoidectomies and physiotherapy.