Assessment of mandibular condylar morphology through digital panoramic radiograph: A radiographic study

Abstract

The temporomandibular joint is one of the most intricate human articulations (TMJ). Each joint is made up of a mandibular condyle and its associated temporal cavity (glenoid fossa and articular eminence). Human mandibular condyle morphology can be divided into six types: Type I: Oval; Type II: Flattened; Type III: Diamond; Type IV: Crooked finger; Type V:Bifid and Type VI: Bird beak. The mandibular condyle appears in several different age groups and individuals in many distinct ways. Condyle remodelling to account for developmental variations, malocclusion, trauma, and other developmental illnesses and diseases are all examples of developmental disorders and diseases that can result from simple developmental variability. Panoramic radiography has been recommended as a screening tool for TMJ patients, and it may be useful to spot major bone abnormalities in the condyle.: The aim of the current study is to observe and record the variations in condyle forms in Punjab (North India) using an Orthopantomographs (OPGs), which were crucial for patient treatment in several branches of dentistry. This retrospective study comprised radiographic evaluation of 400 condylar heads after visualising 200 digitalised OPGs taken for routine investigation. The most common shape of condyle on right observed was oval (43.5%) followed by Bird Beak (20.5%), Diamond (12.5%), Flattened (12%), Crooked finger(6.5%) and Bifid (5%). The most common shape of condyle on left observed was Oval (51%) followed by Bird Beak (15%), Diamond (14%), Flattened (9%), Crooked finger(8%) and Bifid (3%). In Males, the commonest form of left and right condylar morphology was and the least form of right condylar morphology was , whereas the least form of left condylar morphology observed was and In Females, the commonest form of left and right condylar morphology was and the least form of left and right condylar morphology observed was The aim of this study was to determine the most typical radiographic forms of the mandibular condyle on the OPG. Six various condyle shapes—Oval, Flattened, Bird beak, Diamond, Crooked finger, and bifid—have been identified in the current study, with the oval form being the most prevalent on both sides and in both sexes. Bifid is the least typical shape for the right and left condyles.