Morphological and Radiological Variations of Mandibular Condyles in Health and Diseases: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The appearance of mandibular condyle varies greatly among different age groups and individuals. Human mandibular condyles may be categorized into five basic types: flattened, convex, angled, rounded and concave. Morphologic changes of condyle occur due to developmental variations, remodeling, various diseases, trauma, endocrine disturbances and radiation therapy. Genetic, acquired, functional factors, age groups, individuals have a role in morphologic changes in shapes and sizes of condyle. Thus variability in the shapes and sizes of condyles should be an important factor in diagnosing the disorders of temporomandibular joint. Differentiating diseased conditions from anatomical variations of the condylar head possess a diagnostic challenge for the radiologist and surgeons on numerous occasions. The purpose of this review is to describe in detail about normal anatomical and morphological variations in condylar head, thus helping an investigator to distinguish between variations in form and pathologic condition.