Major differences in antler configuration from one side to the other--especial bucks that have just a spike on one side but a "normal" antler on the other--are almost always due to either body injuries or more often damage to the antler pedicle itself.

Antler malformations due to body injury sometimes fade with age. But malformations caused by pedicle injuries are usually permanent.

Yes I agree. Most of "these" bucks develop tines on both sides but always lopsided. I try to notice for limps or other physical conditions but for the most part they seem healthy. Just seems to be some bad genetics going on around this particular area.

Whitetailed deer mix their genetics so rapidly that I doubt it is "bad genetics." Now that doesn't mean particular rack shapes aren't more prevalent in one area than another--they certainly are--but that is primarily due to the social dynamics of matriarchical doe groups (since females appear to pass on the majority of expressed antler traits).

I killed a 4.5 year old 4 point a few years ago that had 18" main beams and brow tines.