Condylar Size and Position, Comparison among Different Sagittal Skeletal Relationships: A CBCT Study

Abstract

Objective: To compare the size and spatial position of mandibular condyles among different sagittal skeletal patterns using CBCT imaging. Study Design: A cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Orthodontics, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from 20th March 2021 to 4th January 2022. Methodology: CBCT scans of 66 subjects (33 males, 33 females) were divided into three equal groups on basis of sagittal skeletal relationships (Class I, Class II, and Class III). Condylar size and position were determined using the method described by Hilgers et al. and Ricketts et al. respectively. Independent samples t-test was applied to compare condylar size and position variables between the right and left condyles and between male and female subjects. All study groups were compared using ANOVA and Post Hoc Tukey's test. Results: In males, the condylar size was larger and condyles were slightly more anteriorly positioned. Condylar width and height were smallest in skeletal Class II relation and largest in skeletal Class III relation. Regarding the condylar position, the anterior distance was investigated to be the smallest in Class II. The posterior distance was lesser in skeletal Class I subjects whereas the superior distance was lesser in Class III subjects. Angle of articular eminence was greater in class I, intermediate in class II, and lower in class III. Height of articular eminence was the lowest in Class III subjects. Conclusion: Statistically significant differences existed for the size and position of mandibular condyles among different sagittal skeletal relationships.