MRI as a method of evaluation and predicting mandibular growth based on temporomandibular joint

The short‐ and long‐term effects of congenital occlusion loss of the unilateral first permanent molar on the temporomandibular joint morphology and position: A retrospective study based on cone‐beam computed tomography

“…The time of alternation of DCLS is close to or coincident with the eruption of upper second molars. Consequently, a statistically significant correlation exists between the timing of the double contour‐like structure's alternation and the emergence of the upper second molars 24–26 . In patients with CUMOL, the second primary molar provides posterior occlusal support until the second molar erupts.…”

“…Double contour-like structures (DCLS) on the top of the mandibular condyles appeared as high-intensity stripes over a crescent of low-intensity area on intermediate-weighted images, Morimoto et al24 have demonstrated that loose highly vascularised fibrous tissue, proliferation of cartilage cells with immature ossifification of the mandibular condyle and presence of red marrow are the potential features of the DCLS. Regarding the clinical implications of DCLS, alterations in DCLS may be useful criteria for assessing the staging of bone ossification in mandibular condyle, and maturation of the TMJ [24][25][26]. The presence of double contour-like structure indicates condylar growth, while its absence signifies complete growth and osseous maturity.…”