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The prevalence of bifid mandibular condyle detected in a Brazilian population

¹ Oral Radiology, School of Dentistry of Piracicaba–UNICAMP, Brazil, ² School of Dentistry, University of Fortaleza, UNIFOR, Brazil

*Correspondence to: Francisco Haiter-Neto, Av. Limeira, 901 Areão, 13414–018, Piracicaba–SP, Brazil. E-mail: haiter{at}fop.unicamp.br

Received 17 November 2006; revised 23 June 2007; accepted 8 July 2007

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of bifid mandibular condyle (BMC) detected on panoramic radiographs in a Brazilian population.

Methods: The panoramic radiographs of 50 080 radiographs taken from 1999 to 2006 were retrospectively reviewed in order to identify BMC cases.

Results: 9 (0.018%) of the 50 080 patients, 2 men and 7 women, with age ranging from 20 years to 74 years, had BMC. These conditions were unilateral in 7 (78%) subjects and bilateral in 2 (22%) subjects. All patients denied a history of any previous trauma or fracture of the mandible, pain, or trismus.

Conclusions: BMC is an uncommon finding in a group of Brazilian subjects and, although it is rare, dentists should be aware of this condition on routine panoramic radiographs and its implications for function and appropriate treatment modalities.

Keywords: bifid condyle; panoramic radiography; temporomandibular joint; mandibular condyle