Evaluation of Radiographic Changes of Mandibular Condyle and its Relationship with Age, Joint Disorders and Eichner's Model

Alterations in mandibular condyle morphology is one of the common problems in different age groups. These variations of the condylar are mostly progressive due to the initial changes in remodeling. Therefore, alterations in the size and shape of the condylar bone are of particular importance in the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint-related diseases. This study aimed to determine the radiographic changes in mandibular condyles and its related factors.

This historical cohort research was carried out on 99 patients in the Faculty of Dentistry, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, in 2016. In this study, the temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), age and Eichner's model were evaluated. Mandibular condyle changes were evaluated using panoramic radiography. Data were analyzed with chi-squared test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient, using SPSS 22 (α = 0.05).

In this study, of 99 cases of radiographic examination in three different age groups, 71 cases (71.7%) of condyle deformity were detected. Ely's cyst was the most commonly seen condylar radiographic change, and 50.5% of the subjects had at least one affected condyle, followed by flat condyle (49.5%), erosion (16.2%) and osteophyte (10.1%) in descending order. Sclerosis (1%), condylar convexity (3%) and condylar concavity (2%) were relatively rare.

Based on the results, condylar changes did not increase with age. Statistically, TMD was not responsible for condylar deformity. The Eichner's pattern C (without occlusal contacts on the remaining teeth) was found to be the most frequent in subjects aged 60-70 years. This indicates that the occlusal forces in the elderly was very low and weak, and the occlusion and edentulism did not have a direct relationship with the condyle deformity.