Objective: To establish a three-dimensional (3D) imaging-based method for measuring the horizontal condylar angle (HCA) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), to analyze the distribution characteristics of HCA among different types of dentofacial deformities, and to explore its potential biomechanical significance. Methods: Three-dimensional CT images of 90 patients with dentofacial deformities were collected and reconstructed using Mimics software for HCA measurement. Patients were classified into skeletal Class I (ANB 0°-4°), Class II (ANB >4°), and Class III (ANB <0°) based on the ANB angle; into hypodivergent (<30°), normodivergent (30°-38°), and hyperdivergent (>38°) patterns based on the SN–MP angle; and into asymmetry and non-asymmetry groups based on the Menton deviation. The HCA was compared among different sagittal and vertical skeletal patterns and between the deviated and non-deviated sides. Results: Significant differences were observed in the bilateral mean HCA among different sagittal skeletal patterns (P<0.05). The mean HCA was (19.05±11.03)° in skeletal Class I, larger in Class II (23.97±11.81)°, and smaller in Class III (13.61±7.35)°; Class II showed a significantly greater HCA than Class III (P<0.05). In patients with mandibular deviation, the HCA on the deviated side was significantly larger than that on the non-deviated side (P<0.05). No significant differences were found among vertical skeletal patterns. Conclusions: Patients with dentofacial deformities exhibit distinct condylar orientations in the horizontal plane. Variations in HCA across skeletal types may reflect differences in mandibular growth direction and adaptive remodeling of the TMJ. In mandibular deviation, greater HCA on the deviated side may indicate biomechanical adaptation to long-term asymmetric loading. The 3D-based HCA measurement provides a quantitative tool for assessing TMJ morphology and planning orthognathic surgery.