Morphologic changes in idiopathic condylar resorption with different degrees of bone loss

The aim of this case control study was to investigate the sizes, shapes, and articular surface angles of condyles exhibiting idiopathic condylar resorption (ICR) with different degrees of condylar bone loss and to provide additional information for the diagnosis of ICR.In total, 154 condyles from patients with ICR and 42 healthy condyles were included. The ICR group was further divided into 3 subgroups (ICR I, ICR II, and ICR III) based on the morphology of the condyle. Three-dimensional (3-D) models of the condyles were measured and analyzed by using the Mimics software based on cone beam computed tomography data.The condylar anteroposterior diameter, transverse diameter, height, superficial area, volume, articular surface angles, condylar neck angle, maximal sectional area, and condylar neck sectional area were all significantly different between the ICR group and the control group (P < .05). There were also significant differences among the 3 subgroups in many of these parameters (P < .05).Morphologic changes in ICR become worse as the disease progresses, with significant differences between diseased and normal condyles. There were many significant differences among the subgroups. Posteriorly inclined condylar neck and slender condylar neck may be associated with ICR.