Imaging Sci Dent.  2016 Sep;46(3):217-222. 10.5624/isd.2016.46.3.217.

Post-traumatic bifid mandibular condyle: A case report and literature review

• Woo MH
• Yoon KH
• Park KS
• Park JA

• KMID: 2408254
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5624/isd.2016.46.3.217

Abstract

Bifid mandibular condyle (BMC) is an uncommon morphological variant of the mandibular condyle. Although authors have proposed various etiologies for BMC, no consensus has emerged. In addition, varying findings have been reported regarding the epidemiological parameters of BMC (e.g., prevalence, gender ratio, and age), possibly due to its low incidence. BMC is occasionally associated with symptoms of the temporomandibular joint, such as ankylosis, pain, and trismus; however, it is difficult to detect this condition on conventional radiographs. This study reports a case of BMC with radiographic findings, and reviews the literature on the epidemiology of BMC.

Keyword

Mandibular Condyle; Anatomic Variation; Congenital Abnormalities; Prevalence; Epidemiology

MeSH Terms

Anatomic Variation
Ankylosis
Congenital Abnormalities
Consensus
Epidemiology
Incidence
Mandibular Condyle*
Prevalence
Temporomandibular Joint
Trismus

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Intraoral photograph of the patient after trauma. The image shows malocclusion and a sutured upper lip.

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  Fig. 2 Medially deviated right mandibular condyle. A. Axial computed tomography (CT) section. B. Coronal CT section. The arrowhead indicates the low position of the fracture site of the condylar neck.

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  Fig. 3 Panoramic radiographs reveal the remodeling process of the fractured right condylar head at 6-month intervals. A. The white arrow indicates a deviated right condylar head. B and C. A cortical radiopaque line is seen. D. The morphology of the fractured condylar head has changed due to remodeling. E and F. Another round condylar head is seen.

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  Fig. 4 Cone-beam computed tomography images demonstrate the appearance of the bifid mandibular condyle. A. Coronal image. B. Sagittal image. C. Axial image. D. Three-dimensional reconstruction image.

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  Fig. 5 Three-dimensional reconstructed images show bifid mandibular condyle (BMC) formation. A. The appearance of the BMC in a posterior view. B. The appearance of the BMC in an oblique posterior view.

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