Examination of the morphometric characteristics of the mandible in patients with bifid condyle

Objectives: Bifid mandibular condyle (BMC) is one of the rare variations in the mandible. The fact that the condyle is one of the growth centers suggests that this structure may change the shape of the mandible and face. The aim of this study is to examine the morphometric features of the mandible in patients with BMC using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: Various measurements such as; length, condylar dimensions, intercondylar distance, axial condylar angle were made on the mandibles using CBCT images of 56 bifid condyle and 56 control patients and the relationship between these groups were examinaed. Results: Some of the measurements regarding ramus length (M2, M3) were found to be significantly lower in patients with bifid condyle. Condylar dimensions and axial condylar angle were found to be higher in bifid condyles than in normal condyles (p<0.05). Conclusion: The presence of BMC may affect the morphology of the mandible. The presence of BMC should be taken into consideration when evaluating face shape and asymmetries.