Radiographic cephalometry analysis of dimensions of condylar processus in persons with mandibular prognathism

Introduction/Aim. There are numerous factors that influence the formation of condylar processus: the growth and development of cranial base, growth and development of the jaws and alveolar extensions, teething, the way of intercuspidation, the overlap of incisors, functions of masticatory muscles, etc. Considering the fact that the above-mentioned factors significantly differ in persons with different morphological set of the face, we set a hypothesis that dimensions of condylar processus and the mandibular ramus considerably differ in persons with mandibular prognathism compared to eugnatic persons. The aim of this study was to establish the differences in dimensions of condylar processus between the above-mentioned groups. Methods. Six parameters representing the dimensions of the condylar processus were measured on profile teleradiographs of 30 eugnatic persons and 30 paersons with mandibular prognathism: the height of condylar processus, the height of head of the mandible, width of the head, width of the neck, height of the ramus without the condylar processus and the overall height of the ramus. Results. A considerable difference in the values of the parameters was found, as well as the distribution toward the values of reference. It was found that the height of the condylar processus was significantly greater in persons with mandibular prognathism, whereas the width of the head of the mandible, the width of the neck and the height of the ramus without the condylar processus was considerably decreased within the same group. The height of the head of the mandible and the overall height of the ramus was not significantly changed. Conclusion. In persons with mandibular prognathism, morphological features of the condylar processus are changed. The condylar processus lengthens on account of shortening of the lower part of the ramus, and the mentioned lengthening is the most prominent in its condylar neck area which is also the centre of its most intense growth