Bifid mandibular condyle with tempromandibular joint ankylosis - a pooled data analysis

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Radiology
• Orthodontics

Background:

• Bifid mandibular condyle (BMC) with temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA) is an exceptionally rare condition, with limited documented cases globally.
• This study presents the largest case series to date, encompassing 12 patients diagnosed with BMC and TMJA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the morphological patterns of BMC associated with TMJA using Computed Tomography (CT).
• To analyze treatment outcomes for patients with BMC and TMJA.
• To contribute to the understanding of this rare condition by presenting the largest case series and the youngest reported case.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of CT scans over 9 years identified 12 cases of BMC with TMJA.
• Demographical, clinical, and CT features were analyzed, along with treatment results.
• Data from Indian cases were pooled with existing literature for comprehensive analysis using statistical software.

Main Results:

• The study included 12 patients (1:1 male:female ratio), with etiology in childhood (23 post-traumatic, 1 postinfectious).
• Mean age at presentation was 16.92 years, with 66.7% exhibiting ipsilateral chin deviation and a mean mouth opening of 3.89 mm.
• Bilateral BMC occurred in 29% of cases, 87.5% showed mesiolateral condyle orientation, and ankylosed condyles were typically mushroom-shaped.

Conclusions:

• This case series provides insights into the CT morphology and patterns of ankylosis in BMC with TMJA.
• Treatment results for BMC with TMJA are presented, offering valuable clinical data.
• The study represents the largest case series and includes the youngest reported case of TMJA with BMC in English literature.