Reevaluation of Mandibular Morphometry According to Age, Gender, and Side

This study aims to reevaluation the linear and angular measurements of mandibles with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) that is a new method and used frequently in recent years.

The archived MDCT images of 100 adult patients (age range, 15-74 years) without mandibular operation and trauma history were evaluated retrospectively. Mandibular ramus heights, maximal mandibular length, mandibular symphysis height, mandibular angles, and mandibular foramen distance measurements were performed on MDCT images. All measurement parameters were analyzed by gender, age groups, and sides.

Mandibular linear length measurements were higher in males than in females (P < 0.05). Only mandibular symphysis height was statistically significantly different in age groups (P < 0.05). The Angle 1 (gonial angle) was found to be significantly higher in females (P < 0.05). The Angle 3 (right condyle-gnathion-left condyle angle) was observed to be significantly higher in the 60+ age group (P < 0.05). The 3 of the mandibular foramen measurements (distance from the front edge, distance to gonion, and height of lingula) were found to be higher in males than in females (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences according to age groups in these measurements. The lengths of the mandibular canals were higher in males (44.72 mm) than in females (41.68 mm). There was no statistically significant difference was found between gender, age groups, and sides of mandibular canal length.

The MDCT was found to be a reliable method for the detection of mandibular morphometry when compared with the results of other radiographic images studies.