CBCT and Cephalometric Analysis of Condylar Morphology in Patients with Hyperdivergent Growth Pattern

Abstract

Introduction: The correlation between form and function suggests that the shape of the    Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may be influenced by functional forces. Since the mandible and the TMJ experience varying loads in individuals with different dentofacial morphologies, it is possible that the condyle and the fossa may vary in shape among people with different malocclusions.

Objectives: (1) To study 3D mandibular condylar morphology in vertically growing facial pattern with cone beam computed tomography.(2) To compare the 3D mandibular condylar morphological variation between vertically growing facial pattern individuals with normodivergent patients.

 Methods: Total 30 lateral cephalogram & Cone Beam Computed Tomography were   obtained retrospectively. The mean age was 22 to 28 years including 15 female and 15 male samples with class I and class II malocclusion. Various cephalometric parameters and CBCT parameters were taken and measurements were done.

  Results: A significant inter-group difference was noted in the Gonial angle, SN-MP angle, FMA angle, LFH, Y-AXIS angle. With no correlation found between PL-Occlusal angle and MP-Occlusal angle. Comparison of condylar radius at different angle in axial plane  suggest that there is definite significant difference noted in long axis length, radius at 150 ̊,radius at 210 ̊,radius at 240 ̊,radius at 270 ̊,radius at 300 ̊and radius 330 ̊between groups.

  Conclusions: Mandibular condylar morphology shows variation in structural characteristics when compared between vertical growth pattern individuals with normodivergent individuals. In vertical growth pattern patient’s condylar size is different at lateral and posterior radius of the condyle. In normodivergent pattern individuals, condylar shape is well defined anatomically with more rounded form which allows better force distribution in TMJ and good functional capacity.