Abstract To assess the contribution of the condyle to the growth of the mandible, forty-two Holtzman albino rats weighing between 40–50 g, were bilaterally condylectomized and at maturity compared anatomically and radiographicalry with 10 shamoperated and 27 control animals. From standardized lateral radiographs, the incisor overjet and molar overjet were determined. Comparisons were also made of the anteroposterior length of the mandibles, utilizing as landmarks infradentale and the most posterior point of the distal angular process. Findings showed that the mandibles of the condylectomized group were 2 mm shorter than those of controls. However, the relation of the mandibular to maxillary dentition as seen radiographically was unaffected. Histologically, a scar tissue type response was noted in the condylectomized area.