Three-dimensional volumetric analysis of mandibular condyle changes in growing subjects: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyze the mandibular condylar volumein a sample of subjects 11-26 years old.

Methods: CBCT condylescans from 94 patients (mean age 18.2 ± 4.5 y) acquired with areconstructed layer thickness of 0.5 mm and a 512×512 matrix were examined. Data on condylar volume were compared among three groups with different age ranges: 11-16 years, 17-21years, and 22-26 years. Condylar volumetric measurements were performed with Mimics™ software.

Results: A significant increase in condylar volume from puberty to young adulthood was detected (< 0.01). Females showed a higher condylar volume in the 17-21 y group compared with the 11-16 y group. Males showed differences among all three groups.

Conclusion: The mandibular condyle growth seems to continue at least until 17-21 years in males but seems to stop before 17 years in females.