“Cleft In Two Parts” Assessment Of Bifid Mandibular Condyle Using Cbct

Context: Introduction: Bifid condyle is a rare anatomical variation of the mandibular condyle. This condition is considered to be developmentally formed with some exceptions of traumatic origin been reported. In most of the cases it is an incidental finding, and this condition is most often not associated with any clinical signs and symptoms. The present study was conducted to evaluate the various characteristics of bifid mandibular condyle (BMC) pattern. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was carried out in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology in the year 2016. In the present study 8100 Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were evaluated for the presence of bifid mandibular condyle in the axial, coronal and sagittal sections. Results: Bifid condyle was detected in 14 images. 11(78.57%) patients had unilateral bifid condyle and 3(21.42%) patients presented with bilateral bifid condyle. The bifid condyles in all the 14 patients were oriented mediolaterally. In cases where there was unilateral presentation, right side (54.54%) of the condyle was more commonly involved than left side (45.45%). The mean depth of the bifurcation groove was found to be 2.69 mm. Conclusions: In most of the reported cases bifid mandibular condyle is not associated with any clinical signs and symptoms making it an incidental finding. Initial screening for the presence of bifid mandibular condyle can be performed by panoramic radiograph, but CBCT images can reveal morphological changes and the exact orientation of the condylar heads. The diagnosis of a bilobed condyle usually relies on radiological findings rather than clinical findings.