Understanding the mandibular condyle morphology on panoramic images: A cone beam computed tomography comparison study

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Radiology
• Anatomy

Background:

• Condylar morphology (CM) assessment is crucial in dentistry.
• Panoramic radiography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) are common imaging modalities.
• Understanding variations in CM and their imaging representation is important for diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare condylar morphology (CM) variations between panoramic images and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).
• To investigate patient-related factors associated with observed CM variations.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 3,000 panoramic images for CM classification and patient factor correlations.
• Direct comparison of CM in 178 cases using both panoramic and CBCT imaging.

Main Results:

• Five CM types were classified: round (70.63%), pointed (15.12%), angled (8.43%), flat (4.53%), and irregular (1.28%).
• CM showed significant relationships with all patient factors (p < 0.001).
• Round CM on panoramic images corresponded to round CM on CBCT; pointed and flat CM were mainly lateral; angled CM was not found on CBCT.

Conclusions:

• Panoramic radiography can accurately represent round, flat, and pointed condylar morphology.
• The 'angled' CM classification observed in panoramic images may not represent a true anatomical shape.