Radiomorphological Variations of the Coronoid Process, Condyle and Sigmoid Notch According to Age, Gender and Dentition

Background: The mandible consists of the coronoid process, condyle and sigmoid notch, which have variable shapes and can be a contributor as an identification tool. Objective: Morphological analysis of the coronoid process, condyle and sigmoid notch and their correlation with age, gender and dentition using digital panoramic radiographs in the Indian population. Materials and Methods: The study was done on 200 digital panoramic radiographs of both gender males and females between the age group of 20-70 years. The shape of the coronoid process, condyle and sigmoid notch were traced by using GIMP 2.8 software and the data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis by using the chi-square test. Result: Based on age and gender, the predominant morphology of the coronoid process was found to be triangular. In females, the prevalent shape of the condyle was observed to be angled, whereas the most frequent configuration of the sigmoid notch was wide. According to dentition (teeth present or absent) most common shape of the coronoid process was the beak and the shape of the condyle was convex in completely edentulous patients and the most common shape of the sigmoid notch was wide in completely edentulous patients. Conclusion: The shapes of the coronoid process, condyle and sigmoid notch can be used as an identification tool.