Volumetric analysis of mandibular condyle in a subset of the indian population using CBCT—A retrospective observational study

Abstract

Background: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) allows for volumetric analysis of the mandibular condyle which can help us to improve the understanding of the pathophysiological alterations affecting the condyles during the growth phase and later. Objectives: Evaluation of volume of mandibular condyle across gender and various age groups. Method: Retrospective volumetric analysis of CBCT scans obtained from 130 patients—260 condyles performed using a semiautomatic segmentation with the program ''ITK-Snap.” The mean condylar volume was then determined according to age group, gender, and laterality. Results: Significant differences were found across age groups in the left side condyle but not on the right. The condylar volume in males on both the right and left sides was found to be larger than that of females. It was noted that the right condylar volume was larger in all age groups and genders as compared to the left. Conclusion: The risk of development of skeletal malocclusions or temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can be determined by dimensional changes of the condyles. The data gathered may be clinically relevant in developing condylar volume diagnostic criteria for the Indian population.

Keywords

• cone-beam computed tomography
• mandibular condyle
• temporomandibular joint disorder