Evaluation of different types of mandibular condyle morphology in panoramic radiographs

Aim : We conducted this study to assess the morphology and symmetry of the mandibular condyle and to examine their associations with age, sex, and dental status—classified according to Eichner’s system—using panoramic radiographic imaging. Materials and Methods : In this cross-sectional study, 527 panoramic radiographs (1,054 condyles) were collected from individuals aged 19–58 years who were referred for routine evaluation. Two examiners—an oral and maxillofacial radiologist and a trained dental student—independently assessed all images. Condylar morphology was classified into four types: oval, diamond, bird beak, and crooked finger. The associations between condylar morphology and symmetry and participants’ sex, age, and dental status, as defined by Eichner’s classification, were analyzed using the chi-square test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results : Of the 1,054 condyles examined, the oval type was the most prevalent morphology (58%), while the bird-beak type was the least common (13%). Regarding dental status according to Eichner’s index, types A1 (47.0%) and A2 (30.7%) were more frequently observed in females than in males, who demonstrated proportions of 39.0% and 29.2%, respectively ( p =0.047). Across all Eichner classes, the oval morphology remained the most common condylar form. No significant association was observed between Eichner classification and the morphology of either the right ( p =0.191) or left ( p =0.334) condyle. However, a significant relationship was found between mean age and Eichner classification ( p =0.001). Conclusion : Oval morphology and symmetrical presentation were the most prevalent condylar features among patients referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology at Qazvin Faculty of Dentistry. According to Eichner’s classification, type A1 was the most frequently observed dental status.