Radiographic structural findings in the mandibular condyles of young individuals receiving orthodontic treatment.

Abstract

Radiographic findings in mandibular condyles were studied from the pre- and post-treatment panoramic radiographs of 625 orthodontic patients. The subjects' mean age was 11 years at the start and 14 years at the end of active orthodontic treatment. Radiographic condylar findings were seen in 14 (2%) subjects before treatment and in 54 subjects (9%) after treatment (p < 0.001). In age-related controls (n = 783) condylar findings were seen in 3% (p < 0.001). The condylar finding was 'flattening only' in half of the patients and in one-third of the controls with condylar findings. Activator treatment was associated with condylar findings (p < 0.05). Condylar findings increased with age in the orthodontically treated subjects (p < 0.05) but not in the unselected population controls. This may mean that condyles become more sensitive with age in children. Increase with age may be partly due to the radiographic interpretation, since minor condylar findings are difficult to observe in young children, and partly due to differences in treatment modalities and the duration of treatment.