Assessment of Morphological Variation of the Mandibular Condylar Process, Coronoid Process, and Sigmoid Notch in Temporomandibular Joints of Adult Population Using Digital Orthopantomogram Based on Age and Gender –A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Orthopantomogram, a form of radiography that uses X-ray technology and is used in the diagnosis and treatment planning in various fields of dentistry, has been found to be less expensive than other advanced imaging modalities such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the shape of mandibular condylar process, coronoid process, and sigmoid notch in various age groups and among the gender. Methods: A study was conducted using 150 digital orthopantomograms of patients. The different shapes of condylar process, coronoid process, and sigmoid notch were traced in computer using Galileos software. Statistical analysis was performed on the data obtained. A Chi-square test was performed to evaluate the P-value which was ascertained to be significant if <0.05. Results: The condylar shapes commonly observed among males and females were round, coronoid process shapes were triangular in shape and round, and sigmoid notches were wide. These variations in condylar process, coronoid process, and sigmoid notch are most commonly seen in the age group of 20–30 years. When compared between gender-wise and age-wise, there were no statistical significance differences found with these variations. Conclusion: In the present study, morphological variation in the shape of the condylar process, coronoid process, and sigmoid notch was observed among the adult population. Knowing these variations can help detect gender, age, and diagnoses of pathologies.