Condylar morphological variants and its association with age, TMD and dentition status: A digital panoramic study

• Author Details:   
• Syeda Arshiya Ara
• Bhagyashree Mahadevappa Patil
• Sajna Ashraf
• Arati ^*

---

Introduction: The temperomandibular joint is one of the most complex joints in the body, and the normal functioning of the masticatory system depends on its harmonious functioning. Morphologic changes of condyle occur due to development variations, age changes, clinical signs & symptoms of TMD, dentition status, etc. The Panoramic Radiography is simple, low costed method to evaluate the gross bony changes of condyles.
Aims & Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of radiographic changes in the condylar morphology & its association with age, clinical signs & symptoms of TMD & dentition status & also to evaluate the intraexaminer & interexaminer reliability in assessing condylar changes using panoramic radiographs.
Materials & Methods: A total of 60 subjects were  recruited in the study with mean age of 20 to 80 & categorised into three groups as Group A(20 -40), Group B(41-60), Group C (61 -80) were evaluated clinically & subjected to digital panoramic radiograph. Different types of condyles were evaluated, radiographic changes in condyle were recorded as small round, evacuated, ossicle, flattening, osteophyte, sclerosis, erosion, ely’s cyst. A normal condyle was given a score of 0 & 1 for abnormal condyle.
Results: The prevalence of radiographic condylar changes were seen maximum in group C, compared to group A & group B. Flatenning & osteophyte were the most commonly observed condylar morphologies. Although there were statistical insignificant between reported signs & symptoms, dentition status with condylar morphology, but radiographic changes of condylar morphologies were observed. Interexaminer & Intraexaminer reliability was perfect in assessing the panoramic radiographs.
Conclusion: Radiographic abnormalities in the mandibular condyle increased with age & were seen more frequently in patients with clinical signs & symptoms & patients with loss of teeth. Interexaminer & Intraexaminer reliability was perfect in assessing the panoramic radiographs.

Keywords: Condyle, TMJ, TMD, Panoramic radiograph, condylar morphology