Evaluation of Mandibular Condylar Neck Dimensions in Indian Population Using Computed Tomography Scans and its Application in Choice of Miniplate for Condylar Fractures

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the size of the neck of mandibular condyle in Indian population using computed tomography (CT) scans and compare the same with that of hybrid plates.

A total of 172 mandibular condyles were studied which included both males and females belonging to age groups between 21 and 50 years. Independent sample t test was done for the comparison of condylar neck size between genders and comparing the same with that of size of miniplates.

The average width of condylar neck in the most constricted region was 7.28 ± 1.38 mm ranging from 3.93 to 11.22 mm. Average condylar base width was 17.36 ± 1.44 mm ranging from 11.79 to 22.37 mm. All the hybrid plates except the trapezoidal plate were narrower than the average condylar neck dimensions. No significant difference was found in average condylar neck length and width between males and females.

In majority of cases of condylar neck fracture, fixation using two four holed with gap miniplates may not be possible; however, a hybrid plate can be used. Plates with width of 4 mm at superior border and 12 mm at inferior border would be the widest plate that could be accommodated in all the mandibular condyles.