Three-dimensional volumetric analysis of mandibular condyle changes in growing subjects: A retrospective cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT

Objective

The purpose of this study is to analyze the mandibular condylar volumein a sample of subjects 11–26 years old.

Methods

CBCT condylescans from 94 patients (mean age 18.2 ± 4.5 y) acquired with areconstructed layer thickness of 0.5 mm and a 512×512 matrix were examined. Data on condylar volume were compared among three groups with different age ranges: 11–16 years, 17–21years, and 22–26 years. Condylar volumetric measurements were performed with Mimics™ software.

Results

A significant increase in condylar volume from puberty to young adulthood was detected (p < 0.01). Females showed a higher condylar volume in the 17–21 y group compared with the 11–16 y group. Males showed differences among all three groups.

Conclusion

The mandibular condyle growth seems to continue at least until 17–21 years in males but seems to stop before 17 years in females.

KEYWORDS:

• Mandibular condyle
• growth
• 3D imaging
• cone-beam computed tomography
• volumetric assessment

Competing interests

The authors deny any kind of conflict of interest about this study.

Additional information

Funding

This study was conducted without funding.