Analysis of condylar volume in relation to craniofacial morphology using cone beam computed tomography

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed at comparing the size and shape of mandibular condyle in mature adult population with different skeletalpatterns.Methods A total of 198 patients within the age range of 15–64 years, including 68 males and 130 females, were allocated into three groupsbased on the ANB angle: skeletal classes I (n = 65), II (n = 69), and III (n = 64). The cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used toevaluate right and left temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in each patient. TMJ evaluation was comprised of size of condyle, area of condyle,and morphology index. The Mimics software was used to calculate the size and area of the condyle. The size, area, and morphology indexwere compared between the study groups using parametric tests.Results Based on the results of paired t-test, there was a significant difference between the sizes of right and left condyles, in favor of theright condyle (P = 0.02). In addition, the mean size of the condyle in class III subjects was higher than those of classes I and II; however, thedifference between the classes I and II was insignificant. The size and area of condyle were higher in males compared with females.Conclusion Based on the results of this study, there might be a correlation between the facial skeletal morphology and area of condyle.