Morphological variations of mandibular sigmoid notch in children aged 4-14 years

Abstract

Aim: The sigmoid notch additionally known as the mandibular notch is a deep notch setting apart the coronoid process and the condyle. Different morphological variations of sigmoid notch (wide, round and sloping) have been documented in literature as indispensable aids in anthropological and forensic research. The study aimed to assess the morphological appearance of sigmoid notch during primary dentition, mixed dentition and permanent dentition. Methods: 400 panoramic images of 194 boys and 296 girls were collected and divided into three groups bases on the stage of dentition. Shape of the sigmoid notch was determined by tracing the print out of the panoramic image on an x-ray viewer. Results: It was observed that during primary and mixed dentition stage shape of the sigmoid notch was wide and as growth and development occured during permanent dentition stage the sigmoid notch shape changed to round. Conclusions: This study describes the normal morphology of mandibular sigmoid notch in children during primary, mixed and permanent dentition and also states that growth of craniofacial region has a significant role in determining sigmoid notch morphology.