CT-based retrospective cohort study for the evaluation of mandibular condylar dimensions – A pilot study

BACKGROUND: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a unique structure of the body where the mandible, one of the important facial bones, articulates with the temporal part of the skull bone. Obtaining morphometric dimensions for mandibular condyle is important for performing an accurate pre/postoperative assessment, planning temporomandibular and orthognathic surgeries, and applications in forensic sciences in context to the Indian population, which is presently based on dimensions of Caucasian population from available literature. Several investigators noticed the variation in the craniofacial morphology in different ethnic groups and vary according to age and sex. This study aims to provide the normal dimensions of the mandibular condyle in the Indian population, which would be providing racially specific values for diagnosis, treatment planning of surgeries involving condylar processes such as rigid internal fixation of TMJ region, congenital deformities, and customizing TMJ prosthesis concerning these measurements. AIM OF THE STUDY: To measure the change in dimensions of mandibular condyle according to age and sex using computed topographic scan imaging. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY: 1. To measure the dimensions of mandibular condyle. 2. To evaluate any age-related changes in dimensions. of mandibular condyle (intercohort comparison). 3. To evaluate any sex-related changes in dimensions of mandibular condyle (intercohort comparison). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analytical cohort study. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Indian adult males and females aged between 20 and 50 years who underwent facial computed tomography (CT) for any reason (e.g., head injury). EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients with congenital or acquired dentofacial deformities involving TMJ. DATA COLLECTION: By assessing the morphometric dimensions of condyle of mandible using CT scan images. RESULT/CONCLUSION: Mean condylar dimensions for each age/sex cohort are established; however, no significant change as per age and sex in condylar dimensions in the Indian population is noted.