The Use of Panoramic Radiography and Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in Diagnosing Bifid Condyle: A Case Report

Bifid condyle is a rare anomaly in mandible with unknown etiology. Patients with this anomaly may have symptoms but they are usually asymptomatic and it is accidently found in routine radiographic examinations. In recent years with development of three-dimensional (3D) imaging modalities, the reported cases of bifid condyle have extremely increased. This article presents the report of two different cases of this anomaly which were diagnosed using panoramic radiography and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) techniques.

The first case was a 35-year-old man without any clinical symptoms referred to obtain panoramic radiography for routine dental checkups. Unilateral bifid condyle was accidentally found in panoramic view. The second case was a 40-year-old woman with chief complaint of pain in temporomandibular joints (TMJs) on both sides. There were no signs of abnormality of condyle in clinical examinations and panoramic radiography. Thus, for further assessment, CBCT images were obtained and the presence of bilateral bifid condyle was confirmed.

Since two-dimensional radiographs such as panoramic images have less accuracy in diagnosing the anomalies of TMJ, the 3D imaging modalities such as CBCT can be the gold standard for better assessment and definite diagnosis, especially in symptomatic patients.