Oval Type of Human Mandibular Condyle in Panoramic Radiographs of a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Mandibular condyle is a prominent structure in the mandible, which forms the temporomandibular joint. An oval-shaped condyle is considered to be present with a normal temporomandibular joint and any morphological variation of the condyle is assumed to be pathologic in temporomandibular disorders. The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of oval shaped mandibular condyle among orthopantomogram radiographs of patients visiting the tertiary care centre. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed among 752 condyles visiting a tertiary care center from November 29, 2021 to April 1, 2022. The ethical approval was taken from the Institutional Review Committee (Reference number: 184 (6-11) 078/079) before conducting the study. Convenience sampling was done. The radiographs were first examined and the observed morphological type of mandibular condyle was noted. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22.0. Point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. RESULTS: The prevalence of oval shaped mandibular condyles out of 752 condyles was 416 (55.32%) (51.77-58.87 at 95% Confidence Interval). The oval-shaped condyle on the right side was 205 (54.52%) and on the left side was 211 (56.12%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of oval shaped condyles among patients in this study was similar to the studies done in similar settings.