The prevalence of bifid mandibular condyle detected in a Brazilian population

Abstract

To determine the prevalence of bifid mandibular condyle (BMC) detected on panoramic radiographs in a Brazilian population. The panoramic radiographs of 50 080 radiographs taken from 1999 to 2006 were retrospectively reviewed in order to identify BMC cases. 9 (0.018%) of the 50 080 patients, 2 men and 7 women, with age ranging from 20 years to 74 years, had BMC. These conditions were unilateral in 7 (78%) subjects and bilateral in 2 (22%) subjects. All patients denied a history of any previous trauma or fracture of the mandible, pain, or trismus. BMC is an uncommon finding in a group of Brazilian subjects and, although it is rare, dentists should be aware of this condition on routine panoramic radiographs and its implications for function and appropriate treatment modalities.