Bifid mandibular condyle: a study of the clinical features, patterns and morphological variations using CT scans

Abstract

Bifid Mandibular Condyle (BMC) are usually diagnosed on routine radiographic examination, is described in the literature as a rare entity. It is reported that BMC has no predilection by sex or ethnic background or the age. The etiopathogenesis of BMC still remains controversial and proper description of the condition is not defined owing to fewer reported cases. Dental professionals should have some knowledge of this anatomic abnormality, as well as its implications for function and appropriate treatment modalities, so that they can be alert to this potential diagnosis. This paper reports the largest series of BMC, using CT scans with history of trauma and presents some of the characteristic clinical features.

Bifid mandibular condyles: A systematic review

“…Nevertheless, mediolateral BMC after a condylar sagittal fracture have been described ( 8 , 11 , 15 ). Studies published by Balaji and Sampaio reported cases with mediolateral position and history of trauma ( 16 , 33 ). This study found that the 55.5% of condyles with an anteroposterior orientation and the 44.7% with a mediolateral position had history of trauma.…”

“…In fact, some cases have been diagnosed posteriorly as PAN did show no signs of pathology ( 22 , 33 ). CT is considered as the test of choice ( 13 , 16 , 18 , 30 , 32 ). Not only provides more information about condylar morphology but also helps to perform differential diagnosis with tumors and primary osseous cysts, metastatic lesions, degenerative bony lesions and metabolic lesions that could also alter the morphology ( 28 ).…”

“…This disorder is considered to be a developmental abnormality although it has also been related to infection, trauma, condylar fractures or condylectomy ( 7 - 16 ). Some authors have suggested that mediolateral orientation of the condyle is associated to a non-traumatic etiology (fibrous septa), while anteroposterior position is more related to a previous trauma ( 17 , 18 ).…”

“…While a great majority of BMCs have coincidentally been diagnosed with a panoramic radiography (PAN) during a routine exam ( 1 , 12 , 14 , 19 , 26 - 31 ), computed tomography (CT) is considered to be the test of choice for an appropriate diagnosis ( 13 , 16 , 18 , 30 , 32 ). Accordingly, Sampaio et al ( 33 ) published a retrospective study which found a 1.1% prevalence of BMC in asymptomatic patients by using CT meanwhile only half of them could be diagnosed by checking previous panoramic radiographies.…”

Temporomandibular Joint Arthritis Resembling Bifid Condyle - A CBCT Analysis of 2 Cases

“…In addition to these changes there was evidence of bifi dness of the condyles. Factors that lead to bifi d condyle are birth injury, trauma, or endocrine disorders [9]. In presented cases none of the factors leading to bifi d condyle were present.…”