Association Between Gender, Age, and Skeletal Class With Mandibular Condyle Morphology: A Retrospective Study

José Carlos López Ramírez; Jairo Mariel Cárdenas; Francisco Javier Gutiérrez Cantú; Marco Felipe Salas Orozco Sr; Carlo Eduardo Medina-Solís; Yolanda Hernández Molinar; Edith Trejo Rivero; Nuria Patiño-Marín

doi:10.7759/cureus.49043

Association Between Gender, Age, and Skeletal Class With Mandibular Condyle Morphology: A Retrospective Study

Cureus. 2023 Nov 19;15(11):e49043. doi: 10.7759/cureus.49043. eCollection 2023 Nov.

Authors

José Carlos López Ramírez¹, Jairo Mariel Cárdenas¹, Francisco Javier Gutiérrez Cantú¹, Marco Felipe Salas Orozco Sr¹, Carlo Eduardo Medina-Solís², Yolanda Hernández Molinar¹, Edith Trejo Rivero¹, Nuria Patiño-Marín³

Affiliations

¹ School of Stomatology, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, MEX.
² Dentistry, Institute of Health's Sciences, Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo, Hidalgo, MEX.
³ School of Stomatology, Clinical Research Laboratory, Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, MEX.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the impact of demographic variables on mandibular condyle morphology, a critical factor in orthodontic treatment and maxillofacial surgery. The investigation focuses on the relationship between gender, age, and skeletal class with the morphological dimensions of the condyle, utilizing panoramic radiography as a diagnostic tool.

Methodology: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 150 panoramic radiographs from individuals stratified into six groups according to gender and skeletal class. Skeletal classes were determined using Steiner and McNamara cephalometry. The Kodak Carestream software (Rochester, NY: Carestream Health) was employed to measure condylar height, width, and morphology. Statistical evaluations included ANOVA, correlation assessments, and multivariate binary logistic regression to discern the differences and associations among the variables studied.

Results: The findings revealed notable differences in condylar dimensions between genders across different skeletal classes, with males typically presenting larger condylar dimensions than females. The data also showed a moderate positive correlation between condyle height and width. Round-shaped condyles were the most common form found, with significant gender differences observed in certain skeletal classes. Additionally, logistic regression analysis identified significant associations between gender, age, and condylar width and shape.

Conclusions: The study concludes that demographic factors, such as gender and age, significantly affect mandibular condyle morphology. These factors should be carefully considered in clinical evaluations using panoramic radiography to enhance the precision of diagnoses and the effectiveness of subsequent orthodontic and maxillofacial treatments. The results provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals in regions where more advanced imaging techniques may not be readily available.

Keywords: cephalometric analysis; mandibular condyle morphology; morphometric analysis; panoramic radiography; skeletal class.