Semi-automated three-dimensional volumetric evaluation of mandibular condyles

The aim of this study is to research the mandibular condyle volumes of the Turkish subpopulation by sex, age, laterality, and posterior occlusal support, to provide volumetric data for young and old patient groups.

The CBCT images of 690 condyles from 345 patients (165 females and 180 males) were assessed. Patients aged 18-25 years were chosen for the younger group, and 45-70 years for the older group. The dental statuses of the older patient group were divided into three categories, based on the Eichner index. All the CBCT images were transferred to the three-dimensional volumetric analysis software, ITK-Snap (Penn Image Computing and Science Laboratory (PICSL) at the University of Pennsylvania and Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute (SCI) at the University of Utah) and analyzed with sagittal, coronal, and axial sections. Mandibular condyles were defined using semi-automatic segmentation, then manual segmentation was performed to ensure accuracy. Analyses were performed using MedCalc statistical software. The p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

The mean right condyle volume for the whole sample (n = 345) was 1678.8 mm³ and the left condyle volume was 1661.3 mm³. Males had a larger condyle volume than females in both the younger and older patient groups (p = 0.035, p < 0.01, respectively). The Eichner index did not correlate significantly with condylar volume in the older patient group (p = 0.134, p = 0.122).

There were significant differences between the volumes of mandibular condyles for different sex, while there were no significant differences in relation to age, laterality, and posterior occlusal support.