Analysis of Condylar Morphological Variations Using Digital Panoramic Radiographs-A Retrospective Study

Aim: The aim of the study is to retrospectively analyse the condylar morphological variations using digital panoramic radiographs.

Background: Digital panoramic radiographs are commonly utilised by dentist to visualise the teeth, maxilla, mandible and the surrounding structures. OPGs are cost effective and are also relatively low in radiation exposure to the patients. Human mandibular condyle may be classified into four types basically as oval, diamond, bird beak and crooked finger. Variations in the condylar morphology may occur due to developmental variations, trauma, endocrine disturbances and radiation therapy.

Materials and Method: This study comprised of radiographic evaluation of 200 condyle after including 100 digital panoramic radiographs retrospectively taken for routine investigation. The radiographs included in the study comprised of 50 male and 50 female. Human condyles were classified based on Chaudhry et al into 4 types. Most commonly occurring shape in males and females were evaluated.

Results: Of the 100 pairs of mandibular condyle evaluated 58.5% were oval in shape, followed by 21% were bird beak in shape, 9% were diamond in shape, 14% were crooked finger in shape. When evaluated whether there is any symmetry between the two sides oval-oval was the commonly occurring combination with 90 pairs showing symmetry and 10 pairs were asymmetrical.